Researchers at Monash University have developed a breakthrough method of recovering high-purity critical minerals from spent lithium-ion batteries.
The process is said to offer a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional high-temperature and chemical-intensive recycling methods by using a mild and sustainable solvent.
Globally, around 500,000 tonnes of spent batteries have already been accumulated, with around 10 per cent of batteries fully recycled in Australia – with the remainder ending up in landfill where toxic substances leach into soil and groundwater.
At the same time, spent batteries hold key strategic metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and copper, meaning they are a valuable secondary resource for critical minerals extraction.
Work from the Monash team addresses these challenges.
Dr Parama Chakraborty Banerjee, principal supervisor and project lead at the University’s department of chemical and biological engineering, said the approach achieves more than a 95 per cent recovery rate of high-demand minerals.
“This is the first report of selective recovery of high-purity minerals from spent battery waste using a mild solvent,” Dr Banerjee said.
“Our process not only provides a safer, greener alternative for recycling lithium-ion batteries but also opens pathways to recover valuable metals from other electronic wastes and mine tailings.”
Parisa Biniaz, PhD student and co-author of the findings, said the breakthrough is a major step closer to a circular economy for critical metals and reduces the environmental impact of battery disposal.
“Our integrated process allows high selectivity and recovery even from complex, mixed battery black mass. The research demonstrates a promising approach for industrial-scale recycling, recovering critical metals efficiently while minimising environmental harm.”
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