Advances in conductive membrane technologies for sustainable recycling of lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles

The rapid expansion of the electric vehicle (EV) sector has markedly escalated the manufacturing and utilization of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), hence producing a continually rising amount of end-of-life (EoL) battery waste. LIB include precious metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese, the extraction of which from basic sources entails significant ecological repercussions and financial expenditures. Traditional recycling methods, especially pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical techniques, are often used; yet they include several drawbacks, such as elevated energy usage, reliance on toxic substances, and the production of secondary waste and contaminants. Consequently, there is an immediate need to advance environmentally friendly, more effective, and sustainable recycling technology. Membrane-based separation has surfaced as a viable option due to its comparatively low energy demands, ease of operation, and capacity for eco-friendly processing. This assessment rigorously examines the function of membrane technologies in the recycling of LIB, focusing specifically on their capacity to selectively extract precious metal ions from intricate battery leachates. Emphasis is placed on conductive membranes that combine electrochemical properties with membrane separation to improve ion selectivity, transport, and recovery efficacy. Notwithstanding these benefits, membrane systems encounter several obstacles, including as membrane fouling, restricted selectivity in multicomponent systems, concentration polarization, membrane deterioration, and difficulty related to large-scale deployment. Recent progress in material engineering, such as nanocomposite membranes, conductive membranes, and hybrid electro-membrane systems, presents significant opportunities to address these constraints. This evaluation highlights the prospects and obstacles linked to membrane technologies and examines their possible incorporation with supplementary processes in sophisticated battery-recycling systems. In conclusion, the creation of efficient, selective, resilient, and scalable membrane systems is vital for the sustainable extraction of crucial materials and facilitating the shift to a circular economy in the swiftly growing electric vehicle battery industry. • Integration of electrochemical functionality with membrane separation enhances ion selectivity and transport, particularly in complex multi-ion battery leachates. • Advanced materials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and MXenes significantly improve membrane performance in terms of conductivity, permeability, and selectivity. • Hybrid systems (e.g., electro-membrane crystallization) enable simultaneous separation and recovery, reducing process steps and reagent demand. • Key challenges remain, including membrane fouling, scalability, and cost, requiring further innovation and system integration for industrial application.