China’s Breakthrough: Recycling EV Batteries Using CO2 and Water to Secure a Sustainable Future

A joint team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Beijing Institute of Technology has unveiled a revolutionary "three-in-one" method for recycling spent lithium-ion batteries. By utilizing carbon dioxide and water, the researchers created a mild carbonic acid that extracts over 95% of lithium without the need for harsh chemicals or extreme heat. This process not only recovers precious metals but also permanently sequesters CO2 within the recycled materials.

As the world faces an estimated 381 million metric tons of spent lithium by 2050, this green technology offers a dual solution: securing the EV supply chain and mitigating climate change. Beyond lithium recovery, the method upgrades cobalt and nickel residues into valuable catalysts for clean energy applications, marking a significant shift toward a circular economy in the battery industry.