Research Progress on Economical, Environmentally Friendly, and Efficient Lithium Recycling Processes for Ternary Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Materials

Abstract

With the rapid development of the electric vehicle industry, the volume of retired nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) ternary batteries has surged. As a critical strategic resource within their cathode materials, lithium faces challenges in current recycling processes, including high subsequent recovery losses, significant energy consumption, and substantial pollution. This paper systematically reviews research progress in lithium recovery from NCM cathode materials. First, it outlines the composition characteristics of NCM batteries and core recycling requirements, analyzing the principles and limitations of mainstream technologies such as pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, and direct repair. It then focuses on novel lithium-preferential recovery processes, including hydrometallurgy-pyrometallurgy hybrid systems, deep eutectic solvents (DES), and electrochemical leaching, detailing their technical pathways, case study outcomes, and advantages. Finally, it summarizes current challenges, including technological maturity, lithium loss control, and large-scale application, while outlining future directions such as AI optimization, closed-loop processes, and technology integration. Research indicates that developing low-energy, low-pollution, and highly selective lithium recovery processes is crucial for ensuring lithium resource security and advancing the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals.