In this presentation, we discuss recycling techniques to recover lithium from EV batteries. First, we describe a hydrometallurgical process that recovers lithium as a salt that must be upgraded to lithium carbonate to re-enter the supply chain. Next, we compare two processes that rely mainly on physical techniques to separate lithium either as an active material precursor (e.g., Li2CO3) or as the active material itself (e.g., LiMn2O4). We outline technical and environmentalchallenges and benefits these processes pose and estimate the relative energy consumption and air emission benefits of obtaining lithium through these recycling technologies versus acquisition of virgin lithium from brine. We then compare potential lithium demand under a scenario of aggressive world-wide EV adoption to available lithium resources, and examine how recycling of automotive lithium-ion batteries could alleviate potential supply constraints. Finally, we consider institutional and economic factors that could help or hinder recycling efforts.

Can automotive battery recycling help meet lithium demand?

245th National Meeting (2013)

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