A research team at the University of Illinois has developed an electrochemical process that captures lithium from spent batteries with unprecedented selectivity and low costs. The approach could reshape the economics and sustainability of battery recycling in the United States.
Lithium recovery from spent batteries with an emerging electrochemical method
The accelerating energy transition is driving strong growth in storage demand, and despite significant international research efforts, lithium remains the dominant metal for rechargeable batteries. It is relatively abundant in nature but highly concentrated in specific regions, which makes mining costly, complex, and environmentally intensive. In the United States, a research team at the University of Illinois has developed an innovative electrochemical process for lithium recovery from spent batteries that can lower environmental impacts and reduce material costs.
The University of Illinois method for lithium recovery
The process begins by dismantling batteries and immersing the components in an organic solvent, which produces a solution containing lithium and other metals. The team led by Professor Xiao Su created a specialized electrode made with a copolymer that selectively binds lithium and responds to electrical current when energized inside the solution. It acts as an “intelligent” polymer that captures only lithium from battery waste in a selective, repeatable, and low cost process. The electrode works like a sponge, absorbing lithium while leaving other metals behind and maintaining conductivity for more than 500 cycles. The result is a concrete step toward more sustainable lithium recycling.
What does recycled lithium cost?
The cost of lithium recovery with this method is around 12.70 dollars per kilogram. Traditional processes such as acid leaching or high temperature smelting are more expensive and generate chemical waste or less efficient separations. With lithium currently priced at about 13.17 dollars per kilogram on the market, the new technique proves both economically advantageous and environmentally sound.
Building a circular supply chain for lithium
Researchers view the work as a laboratory proof of concept, but with further development it could become the first commercially viable solution for lithium recycling. As noted by the Illinois research team, the findings highlight the broad potential of electrochemical separation technologies to support a more circular, sustainable lithium supply chain, improve supply security, and reduce the environmental burden of mining. This innovation marks a significant step toward a circular battery economy and could accelerate progress in electric mobility across the United States.
