CO2 + H2O = cleaner recycling of dead lithium batteries?

Chinese scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Beijing Institute of Technology have developed a new method for recycling lithium batteries using only carbon dioxide and water. This innovative "three-in-one" strategy improves lithium recovery, upgrades transition metals, and sequesters carbon, eliminating the need for polluting chemicals and minimizing waste. The method achieves a lithium leaching efficiency exceeding 95%, comparable to traditional recycling methods. The process also upcycles spent cathode materials into valuable catalysts, supporting sustainable energy conversion technologies. Conducted under ambient conditions, this approach minimizes environmental impact by avoiding harsh chemicals and grinding aids. The findings were published in the journal Nature Communications on January 10.

Explore how the topics in this article connect to other news stories