New research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) highlights the importance of recycling lithium batteries in the race to a sustainable future.
In this study, tapping to used batteries is evaluated as a secondary source of lithium. This not only reduces the environmental impact, but also ensures access to this valuable resource, supports the circular economy, and ensures long-term sustainability of the energy sector.
Lithium-ion batteries: Demand vs. capacity
Sadia Afrin, a student at ECU PhD, noted that the global lithium-ion battery market is projected to grow at a combined annual growth rate of 13%, reaching $87.5 billion by 2027.
Additionally, lithium consumption is projected to increase from 390 kilotons in 2020 to approximately 1,600 kilotons by 2026.
However, only about 20% of the lithium-ion battery capacity is used before the battery becomes unsuitable for use in electric vehicles. That is, in storage or landfills, they hold almost 80% of their lithium capacity.
The Australian Department of Industrial Science and Resources estimates that by 2035, Australia will be able to generate 137,000 tonnes of lithium battery waste annually.
Lithium battery recycling is the most viable solution
For terminally ill batteries, the obvious answer is recycling, says first author Assad Ali, cites government figures.
“Through recycling of lithium batteries, we can also get nickel and cobalt from these batteries, as well as remaining lithium, which has already been refined to nearly 99%,” he explained.
Lithium recovered through the recycling process is unlikely to affect lithium extraction or downstream sectors, but the recycling process offers significant environmental benefits when compared to mining.
Ali said: “The recycling process can significantly reduce the widespread use of land, soil pollution, ecological footprint, water footprint, carbon footprint, and the release of harmful chemicals to the environment, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing waste.”
Environmental Benefits of Lithium Recovery
Australia owns one of the world’s largest hard rock lithium reserves, and lithium recovery from terminal batteries can provide socioeconomic benefits and meet environmental sustainability.
“The mining industry provides another source of potential terminally ill batteries that have actually retired, as the electrification of mining has gained momentum and the corresponding author, Dr. Muhammad Azhar, states.
The benefits of recycling lithium batteries seem obvious, but there are still some challenges to address.
Afrin concluded: “The speed of innovation is significantly outweighing policy development, and the chemical composition of batteries is also constantly evolving, making recycling of these batteries more complicated.
“There is clearly a need for investment in the right infrastructure to create this circular economy, but there are several Australian companies looking at the best ways to approach this.”
Source link
