What can lithium batteries be recycled into?

Release Time：2026-08-06 14:40:38 Source：Lithium Battery Recycling Machine Share：

Used lithium-ion batteries contain metals such as cobalt, nickel, lithium, copper, and aluminum. Lithium, in particular, is a core material used in new energy vehicles, portable power banks, and other fields. Therefore, these metals in used lithium-ion batteries can be recovered and reused. So, what valuable materials can be recovered from lithium-ion batteries? The main core products include battery-grade precursor materials (such as lithium carbonate, lithium, cobalt, and nickel), as well as copper, aluminum, graphite, and iron. After extraction, these materials can be used directly in the manufacture of new lithium-ion batteries or as industrial raw materials.

Lithium Compounds

Lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide. First, waste lithium-ion batteries are crushed and screened using a lithium battery recycling machine. High-purity “Black Mass” is separated out, and then passed through a high-temperature calcination furnace to remove the binder and conductive carbon, facilitating subsequent extraction. The calcined material is then mixed with an acidic solution (such as sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid) or an alkaline solution (such as sodium hydroxide). The reaction proceeds under conditions of heating and stirring, causing lithium to enter the solution in ionic form. The leachate contains a large amount of impurities (such as Fe³⁺, Al³⁺, and Cu²⁺), which must be removed via chemical precipitation, solvent extraction, or ion exchange. Next, a sodium carbonate solution (10–20% concentration) is added to the purified solution and reacted for 1–2 hours at 60–80°C. This produces a lithium carbonate precipitate. The precipitate must undergo multiple washings (to remove impurities such as sodium and chlorine) before being heated and dried. This process ultimately yields battery-grade lithium carbonate, which can be used directly in the production of new lithium-ion batteries. Lithium compounds are the most valuable materials in lithium-ion battery recycling.

 

Cobalt and Lithium

Waste lithium-ion batteries are first processed using dry crushing machinery to produce “Black Mass.” This is then subjected to high-temperature roasting to remove organic impurities and carbon black. The material is subsequently crushed and screened to obtain cathode “Black Mass” containing active materials such as lithium cobaltate. The material then undergoes reduction and acid leaching to dissolve the metal. Inorganic acids, such as sulfuric acid, are added to the powder, along with a reducing agent. The insoluble Co³⁺ is reduced to Co²⁺ and released into the solution. Further purification and impurity removal are then performed to separate out impurities. An oxidizing agent is added to adjust the pH, converting impurities such as iron and aluminum into hydroxides, which are then removed via precipitation and filtration. The remaining solution containing cobalt and lithium is retained. Finally, ammonium oxalate is added to precipitate the cobalt. After filtration, washing, and drying, the cobalt precursor is obtained. This material can be used to synthesize ternary precursors or cathode materials.


Copper and Aluminum

Waste lithium-ion batteries are first processed using a dry physical battery recycling machine. After undergoing multi-stage crushing and multiple rounds of screening, the waste batteries yield “black mass” and a copper-aluminum mixture. The copper-aluminum mixture is processed using a specialized, state-of-the-art copper-aluminum separator to obtain high-purity copper and aluminum. The copper and aluminum are then smelted as scrap metal or used to extend the industrial chain.

Graphite

This material has relatively low recycling value. Waste lithium-ion batteries undergo dry crushing and wet extraction leaching. After purification, the graphite can be reused as an active material for anode materials.

Other Materials

Certain processes can recover the electrolyte solvent or treat it to render it harmless. Steel casings, for example, can also be recycled.



Driven by global policy incentives and market demand, the lithium-ion battery recycling and reuse industry is poised for rapid growth. In the future, lithium-ion battery recycling companies will continue to play a vital role in increasing the recycling rate of waste lithium-ion batteries and further enhancing the safety and environmental sustainability of the recycling and processing stages. Our factory has developed a new type of lithium-ion battery recycling machine that achieves higher recycling efficiency and metal purity while fully complying with environmental emission standards. If you would like to learn more about lithium-ion battery recycling, please feel free to contact us for a free customized technical solution and quote. Thank you.

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