With the surge in electric vehicle sales, managing spent batteries has become critical. The signifi cant rare metal content in

batteries has driven interest in recovering these metals from industrial wastewater. Electrodialysis (ED) stands out for its

eco-friendliness, low energy consumption, and compatibility with other technologies. This review highlights recent advancements

in ED, including integrating nanofi ltration (NF) for enhanced selectivity and diff usion dialysis (DD) for pretreatment

to improve conductivity and energy effi ciency. Innovations in ion exchange membranes (IEMs), such as monovalent-selective

and functionalized membranes, have boosted ion separation performance. Strategies like bipolar membrane ED (BMED) and

chelating agents enhance recovery effi ciency, while anti-fouling techniques like pulsed electric fi elds and surface modifi cations

prolong membrane lifespan. Energy effi ciency improvements include optimizing electrical systems and adopting multistage

or selective ED setups. Scaling ED systems for industrial applications involves addressing challenges like resistance

and leakage through advanced design and monitoring. Despite progress, further innovation is needed to improve selectivity,

reduce fouling, and enhance system reliability. By advancing materials and integrating complementary technologies, ED can

serve as a sustainable solution for recovering rare metal ions and treating wastewater, aligning with circular economy goals.