Lithium-ion batteries power electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce the contribution of transportation to environmental pollution. However, finding a sustainable method to recycle spent EV batteries has been challenging, as traditional recycling methods use harsh acids and chemicals that are hazardous to the environment. 

To address this problem, a team of researchers has designed a new method to recycle used EV batteries called neutral leaching. This process replaces corrosive chemicals with glycine, a naturally occurring and environmentally friendly amino acid. Neutral leaching makes the extraction of metals like nickel, cobalt, and manganese safer, more efficient, and less impactful to the environment.

This method promises a fast recovery rate. The team reported in their published study that what they have developed can retrieve the following from used batteries: 99.99% of lithium, 97% of nickel, 92% of cobalt, and 91% of manganese. Complementing its impressive recovery rate is the speed of the metal recovery process, designed to be completed in only 15 minutes. These features make neutral leaching an excellent alternative to conventional recycling techniques. 

Other than supporting cleaner recycling methods, this development further strengthens the case for EVs as a sustainable transportation option for the future. It can also pave the way for large-scale battery recycling facilities that are safer for workers, communities, and ecosystems. 

Read the full article here to learn more about neutral leaching.

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