A revolutionary way to dispose of batteries has been created in China

Scientists from the University of Science and Technology of China have developed an environmentally friendly technology for recycling lithium batteries. The results of the study were published in the journal Nature Sustainability.

The team led by Professor Cheng Wei developed an electrochemical process based on the interaction of lithium ions with nitrogen dioxide. The technology is unique in that it relies on a ceramic membrane that is permeable to metal alkali, which increases the efficiency of recycling.

Tests showed that up to 97 percent of lithium can be extracted from used batteries and 66 watts of electricity can be generated from each kilogram of recycled material. This process does not require expensive chemicals and has a low environmental impact.

The scientists used economical carbon membranes with dimethylformamide-based electrolytes to separate nitrogen dioxide from industrial waste. The reaction with lithium ions produces pure lithium nitrate and simultaneously generates electricity.

Researchers say this innovation will revolutionize the recycling of lithium batteries. The new technology could make it possible to recycle tens of thousands of tons of batteries that are discarded each year in an environmentally and economically efficient way. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”