Environmental life cycle assessment of recycling technologies for ternary lithium-ion batteries

To combat climate change, the transition to electrification has become a major trend in the transportation sector. However, the increasing growth in electric vehicles leads to a serious challenge to the waste management of retired power batteries. With the emergence of various recycling technologies, there is widespread concern about which ones are environmentally friendly. Consequently, a general life cycle assessment model is developed, which covers the whole process of production, using and recycling of ternary lithium-ion battery. China is taken as a case here, which is the largest electric vehicle market in the world. With the overall comparison of 5 different recycling technologies, the key links and main contributing factors to reduce the environmental impacts are further identified. Eventually, relevant decision-making supports for managing the end-of-life ternary lithium-ion power batteries are provided.

Automated summary

In order to combat climate change, the transportation sector is experiencing a major trend towards electrification. However, the increasing number of electric vehicles presents a significant challenge in managing retired power batteries. This study develops a comprehensive life cycle assessment model for ternary lithium-ion batteries, covering production, use, and recycling processes. Through a comparison of five different recycling technologies, the key steps and factors to reduce environmental impacts are identified, providing decision-making support for managing end-of-life ternary lithium-ion power batteries.