Effective recycling of lithium-ion battery waste can mitigate high-demand element supply chain problems, greenhouse

gas emissions, and environmental hazards associated with the waste. For the cost-effectiveness of the recycling process,

the metal separation step needs to be as simplified as possible. Lithium, an alkaline metal, differs significantly in terms

of chemistry from transition metals such as nickel, manganese, and cobalt; therefore, its separation from cathode waste

is straightforward. Separation of nickel, manganese, and cobalt from each other is possible; however, it requires energy

and time to recover each element with high purity and yield. This review will illustrate the recent trend in lithium battery

recycling and present a new direction explored in my lab at Auburn University.

Lithium-ion battery, Recycling, Materials chemistry

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