Green solvent recovers in-demand metals from batteries

An image showing a solution turning green as it pulls cobalt from a spent lithium-ion cathode

Source: © Jeff Fitlow/Rice University

Multiple cathode chemistries tackled by one system

Eutectic solvents can extract lithium and cobalt from old battery cathodes in an environmentally friendly process, new research shows. The findings may play a role in tackling the mountains of waste set to follow when today’s consumer electronics and electric vehicles reach the end of their useful life.