The comprehensive study “Lithium-ion Batteries Towards Circular Economy: A Literature Review of Opportunities and Issues of Recycling Treatments,” authored by Elena Mossali, Nicoletta Picone, Luca Gentilini, Olga Rodrìguez, Juan Manuel Pérez, and Marcello Colledani, offers an extensive analysis of the current state and future prospects of lithium-ion battery (LIB) recycling. This article is of paramount importance to the initiatives of Green Wings Project, particularly in highlighting the critical role of recycling in managing the environmental impacts of electronic waste, including e-cigarettes which often contain these batteries.

Published in Journal of Environmental Management, this literature review provides a detailed exploration of the rapidly growing use of LIBs in various sectors, especially in advanced technological devices and Electric and Hybrid Vehicles, due to their advantageous properties like high energy density and long life cycles. The authors focus on the increasing production and usage of LIBs, drawing attention to the pressing global concern of their End-of-Life (EoL) management. This aligns closely with the mission of Green Wings Project, as we strive to address similar challenges in the recycling of disposable electronic waste, emphasizing the need for efficient and environmentally responsible EoL handling.

The paper delves into the potential of LIB recycling as a pivotal solution for the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of the market, highlighting the necessity to minimize the toxicity of EoL products, generate monetary gain, and reduce dependence on foreign resources or critical materials. This perspective is crucial for the Green Wings Project, as it underscores the importance of developing sustainable recycling processes for electronic waste, including the valuable components in e-cigarettes.

Furthermore, the authors discuss the current procedures for batteries securing, discharging, and materials recovery, assessing the pros and cons of treatments in terms of energy consumption, recovery efficiency, and safety issues. They prioritize target metals such as Cobalt, Nickel, and Lithium, outlining the economic advantages of material recovery. This in-depth review sheds light on the existing industrial processes and technological solutions proposed by research projects and industrial developments, comparing the best results and highlighting open issues and criticalities.

This scholarly article is an essential resource for understanding the complexities and potential of recycling treatments for lithium-ion batteries. It provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of LIB recycling and its role in fostering a circular economy. As the Green Wings Project continues its efforts to promote responsible electronic waste management and recycling, the insights offered by this study are invaluable in shaping our approach and advancing our cause for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

Click to read the full article here.

Featured image via Robin Glauser on Unsplash

About Green Wings Project:

Established in 2022, Green Wings Project is a charity organisation that aims to promote, for the benefit of the public, the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment through promoting, identifying and advancing solutions for recycling, reuse and harmless disposal of disposable/single-use electronic products. Currently, we are running a focused initiative on disposable vape recycling.