Environmental Impacts of Graphite Recycling from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on Life Cycle Assessment

With the emergence of portable electronics and electric vehicle adoption, last decade has witnessed an increasing fabrication lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The future development LIBs is threatened by limited reserves virgin materials, while inadequate management spent endangers environmental human health. According to Circular Economy principles aiming at reintroducing end-of-life materials back into economic cycle, further attention should be directed implementation battery recycling processes. To enable sustainable paths for graphite recovery, footprint state-of-the-art through life cycle assessment analyzed quantifying contribution nine methods combining pyrometallurgical hydrometallurgical approaches indicators such as global warming, ozone layer depletion potential, ecotoxicity, eutrophication, or acidification. Laboratory-scale scaled up pilot-scale processes able treat 100 kg graphite. values ranging from 0.53 9.76 kg·CO2 equiv. per 1 graphite, energy consumption waste acid generation are main drivers. A sensitivity analysis demonstrates a 20–73% impact reduction limiting one-fourth amount H2SO4. Combined involving hydrometallurgy pyrometallurgy give environmentally preferable results. electrochemical performance regenerated also compared with battery-grade This work provides cues boosting batteries, strengthening circular in industry.