Revolutionary Breakthrough in EV Battery Recycling Recovers 99.99% of Lithium
A team of researchers in China has developed an innovative recycling process that could transform how critical materials are recovered from electric vehicle batteries. According to The Independent—citing a study originally published in the German academic journal Angewandte Chemie—the scientists claim to have achieved an unprecedented 99.99% recovery rate of lithium from used batteries, along with similarly impressive recovery rates of 97% for nickel, 92% for cobalt, and 91% for manganese.
This breakthrough is based on a technique known as “neutral leaching,” which represents a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional recycling methods. According to the authors, the method not only efficiently extracts valuable metals, but also eliminates the need for highly corrosive chemicals typically used in conventional processes. Remarkably, the procedure proved to be extremely fast: during laboratory tests, the desired battery materials were successfully separated in just 15 minutes.
The process relies on glycine—the simplest stable amino acid—as the leaching agent. This compound not only facilitates the dissolution of metals from the battery cells but also reduces the generation of hazardous waste. A subsequent step is implemented to halt further chemical reactions, preserving the integrity of the recovered materials and preventing unwanted secondary processes.
While this remains a laboratory-scale study—and such innovations don’t always translate seamlessly to commercial application—the potential of this discovery has already captured the attention of the global automotive industry. With increasing pressure to reduce reliance on raw material mining—which is costly both economically and environmentally—battery recycling is becoming an essential pillar in the shift toward a sustainable circular economy in the electric mobility sector.
The Rise of Battery Recycling: Toyota and Redwood Materials Leading the Way
In this context, major automakers have already begun investing in recycling solutions. A notable example is Toyota, which in 2022 announced a partnership with Redwood Materials, the battery recycling company founded by former Tesla CTO JB Straubel. The following year, the agreement was expanded, laying the groundwork for hybrid vehicle batteries—such as those from the iconic Prius—to become a source of key materials for future EV batteries.
Redwood Materials has also established strategic partnerships with other major brands, including BMW, Ford, and several Volkswagen Group brands such as VW and Audi. However, fleet turnover is a slow process, and the current number of electric and hybrid vehicles on the road may not yet be enough to supply a critical mass of recyclable battery materials. A report published in 2021 predicted that the battery materials recycling market is unlikely to heat up significantly before 2030.
As global EV adoption accelerates and scientific advancements such as this one continue to emerge, the future of battery recycling appears increasingly promising. Developing sustainable technologies to recover valuable materials will be essential to ensuring a balance between innovation, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility in the next generation of electric mobility.
