Mechanical activation-assisted technology for recovering valuable metal elements from spent lithium-ion batteries: A review

Traditional pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes for spent lithium-ion battery (LIBs) recycling face challenges such as high energy consumption, exhaust gas generation, complex operation, and wastewater production. As an emerging alternative to traditional processes, mechanical activation technology offers significant advantages including ambient-temperature operation, simplified processing, shortened reaction duration, reduced energy consumption, and enhanced environmental compatibility. Here, we review current developments in the mechanical activation recovery technology, exploring the challenges and future directions. In detail, it outlines the fundamental characteristics and effects of mechanochemistry and provides a comprehensive overview of its applications in the recycling of mainstream spent LIBs. These applications span multiple stages, including pretreatment, electrode material separation, valuable metal extraction, and cathode material regeneration. Finally, the review highlights the current status and key challenges of applying mechanical activation processes to spent LIBs recycling. Future development is expected to focus on achieving safe and efficient recovery, the use of green leaching and grinding agents, high-value resource utilization, and cost-effective processing.