China’s method recovers 95% lithium from dead batteries using CO2, water

Chinese researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Beijing Institute of Technology have developed a novel, environmentally friendly method to recover over 95% of lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries using a combination of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water. This process leverages carbonic acid formed by CO₂ reacting with water, which gently dissolves lithium from battery cathodes at room temperature and normal pressure, avoiding the harsh acids, high temperatures, and toxic chemicals typical of traditional recycling methods. Besides efficient lithium recovery, the method also upcycles other cathode metals like cobalt, nickel, and manganese into reusable catalysts, while permanently sequestering CO₂ in solid by-products, thus providing both lithium reclamation and carbon capture benefits. The new “three-in-one” process is safer, cheaper, and easier to scale than conventional techniques, minimizing environmental impact by eliminating the need for grinding aids or additional leaching agents. However, while the method has been successfully demonstrated in the lab, its industrial-scale feasibility remains unpro