Environmental Impacts of Hydrometallurgical Recycling and Reusing for Manufacturing of Lithium-Ion Traction Batteries in China

Recycling lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles is considered an important way to tackle the future supply risks of virgin materials, but the actual environmental impact of traction battery recycling is controversial. This study conducted a process-based life cycle assessment to quantify the environmental impacts of hydrometallurgical recycling of two common lithium-ion traction batteries (lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide and lithium iron phosphate battery) and reusing materials in their manufacturing in China. The results show that recycling can cause net environmental benefits of the two traction battery types for the considered impact categories, but the net benefits for direct recycling technology are higher because of fewer requirements of chemicals and energy. Reusing recovered materials in battery manufacturing would reduce the impacts in comparison to no recycling, but the reduction potential of greenhouse gas emission and energy demand is not significant. Sensitivity analysis shows that recycling benefits are highly dependent on recovering efficiency and electricity used for manufacturing and recycling. Comprehensive management strategies are necessary to improve the end-of-life traction battery management, such as using carbon-free energy sources, designing batteries with less metal, and developing recycling technology using fewer chemicals. This study contributes by offering transparent life cycle inventory for hydrometallurgical recycling lithium-ion traction batteries and providing scientific knowledge to improve their sustainable management.