Recycling for All Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries

All solid-state batteries (ASSBs) are expected to be the future for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, recycling aspects for ASSBs are underexplored and would be critical as supply/demand projections will eventually result in unprecedented amounts of disposed LIBs, especially from the automotive sector. The current state of LIB recycling is inadequate, and the incorporation of lithium-metal anodes and solid electrolyte chemistries in ASSBs will pose additional challenges. Therefore, recycling viability and waste management should have a guiding role in ASSB development toward commercialization. In this work, we touch upon the leading solid-state electrolyte chemistries, differences between ASSBs and conventional LIBs from a recycling aspect, and the viability of various recycling processes with respect to ASSBs. We further propose a general design for ASSB recycling, utilizing hydrometallurgy and direct recycling methods. Finally, we discuss the value of legislation and automation toward the realization of large-scale ASSB recycling, and future directions of study. All solid-state batteries (ASSBs) are viewed as the future for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and have commanded a significant amount of attention in the field of battery science. Research to date has demonstrated a variety of electrolyte chemistries and processing methods toward commercialization. However, the sustainability of these materials is not well studied, with just a few recent works addressing recycling concepts of sulfide-based solid electrolytes. Fortunately, the current state of research into ASSB fabrication and LIB regeneration methods demonstrate viable concepts that can potentially be applied toward ASSB recycling. In particular, a combined approach of hydrometallurgical and direct recycling methods may have the highest potential toward viable ASSB recycling while addressing chemical stability and processing safety concerns. ASSB recycling commands little consideration during ASSB research and development. In light of the currently subpar state of LIB recycling, it is clear that sustainability should be influencing ASSB development toward commercialization, rather than be implemented after the mass accumulation of disposed batteries. Current research in ASSB fabrication and conventional LIB recycling contains several viable concepts toward industrial-scale ASSB recycling, with extensive research opportunities to explore these concepts into practice.