The growing use of stationary energy storage systems (SESS) to stabilize renewable energy grids is driving demand for lithium, a critical element in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). As these batteries reach ‘end-of-life’, sustainable recovery of lithium has become essential to reduce reliance on primary resources and mitigate environmental risks. Hydrometallurgical recycling offers a promising solution due to its efficiency, scalability, and lower energy requirements compared to pyrometallurgical methods. This study investigates lithium recovery from spent LIBs through as-received mechanically pretreated cathode active materials (CAM), acid leaching, purification, and conversion into reusable compounds. Optimized leaching with C₆H₈O₇·H₂O-H₂O₂ achieved high lithium extraction while limiting co-dissolution of NMC transition metals. Purification methods, including selective precipitation and solvent extraction, successfully isolated lithium, which was then converted into Lithium Cobaltate (LiCoO₂). Recovery rates around 90% highlight the viability of hydrometallurgy for large-scale recycling. Beyond resource conservation, this approach supports circular economy principles by enabling closed-loop recycling, reducing environmental hazards, and strengthening supply chains for SESS deployment. The findings emphasize hydrometallurgical recovery as a cornerstone of sustainable-energy infrastructure, ensuring reliable lithium availability to meet rising demand and advancing global clean-energy initiatives. The recovery of Lithium in this study is straightforward and eco-friendly.

Keywords

Lithium-ion battery (LiB); Citric acid (C₆H₈O₇·H₂O); Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂); LiCoO₂, Stationary energy storage systems (SESSs).