Direct Recycling of Li-ion Batteries: Challenges and Opportunities for a Sustainable Future

With the exponential expansion of electric vehicles (EVs), the disposal of Li-ion batteries (LIBs) is set to increase significantly. Effective recycling of LIBs is crucial for addressing environmental concerns and unlocking their economic value. Direct recycling has emerged as a promising solution at the laboratory level, offering environmental benefits and economic viability compared to pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods. However, its commercialization remains financially unfeasible. This perspective analyzes obstacles to practical implementation, including disassembling, sorting, separation, and technological limitations. Potential solutions are suggested for short-term challenges. Long-term, collaborative efforts among manufacturers, battery producers, and recycling companies are needed to advance fully automated recycling of spent LIBs. Lastly, a smart direct recycling framework is proposed for achieving full life cycle sustainability of LIBs.