Optimized leaching technologies for recycling and regeneration of spent lithium−ion batteries

The growing demand for recycling spent lithium−ion batteries underscores the importance of developing sustainable techniques for the extraction of valuable metals from cathode components. Hydrometallurgical recycling methods offer several advantages, including high selectivity, reduced chemical consumption, and improved energy efficiency. This review first outlines the development trajectory of hydrometallurgical leaching techniques and highlights the current limitations associated with traditional hydrometallurgical processes. Subsequently, building upon a detailed analysis of cathode material leaching methodologies, the effects of key operational parameters on metal recovery efficiency are systematically examined. Following this, the review provides a systematic overview of the most promising and effective advanced leaching technologies that have been developed in recent years. Then, this review summarizes predominant techniques for recovering leaching products and highlights recent innovations in the recovery and regeneration of cathode active materials. Finally, this paper identifies the specific strategies to overcome existing challenges in hydrometallurgical applications and offers perspectives on the future prospects of hydrometallurgy in lithium−ion battery recovery. Overall, this review aims to provide comprehensive insights into hydrometallurgical processes, with the goal of supporting the development of efficient recycling strategies for lithium−ion batteries.