In the rapidly evolving world of energy storage, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become the backbone of electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. However, as the demand for these batteries skyrockets, so does the need for sustainable solutions to manage their end-of-life. A recent study published in the journal Batteries, translated to English, sheds light on the patent landscape of recycling technologies for LIB positive electrode materials, offering a roadmap for the future of the industry.
The research, led by Zhuoya Tong from the College of Materials Science and Engineering at Changsha University of Science and Technology in China, analyzed 672 patent filings associated with 367 application families, covering the period from 1994 to 2024. The findings reveal an explosive growth in patenting activity since 2020, with China and the United States leading the charge.
“The demand for LIBs is projected to soar to over 2.5 TW h by 2030,” Tong explained. “This extensive use not only raises concerns about resource scarcity but also poses significant environmental challenges in disposing of retired batteries.”
The study highlights three main recycling routes: pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, and direct regeneration. Among these, hydrometallurgy continues to be the most patented technology, with a focus on improving leaching efficiency and developing novel purification methods. Direct regeneration and pyrometallurgy also show promising advancements, with key innovations centered around various relithiation strategies.
The analysis also underscores the significant involvement of both companies and academic institutions in driving innovation. Major players like Brunp Recycling Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of CATL, and European and American companies such as Hydrovolt and Ascend Elements, are making substantial investments in R&D and establishing large-scale processing plants.
“Patents represent commercially viable and technically feasible solutions,” Tong noted. “Examining patent filings helps identify innovative methods, emerging trends, and areas of intense competition.”
The study provides a comprehensive overview of the technological landscape, identifying emerging trends and potential future developments. For instance, the analysis reveals a growing interest in improving the quality of regenerated active positive electrode materials (APEMs), which are crucial for battery performance and cost.
As the global recycling capacity is projected to reach over 1500 GWh by 2030, the insights from this patent analysis are invaluable for researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers. The findings can guide the development of sustainable energy storage solutions and circular economy strategies in the battery sector.
The research published in Batteries offers a glimpse into the future of LIB recycling, highlighting the need for continued innovation and collaboration. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the insights from this study will be instrumental in shaping the next generation of recycling technologies, ensuring a more sustainable and efficient use of resources.