Scientists claim to have found a way to extract metals from used batteries using water and cooking oil.
A team from the University of Leicester developed a technique for sustainably extracting the valuable material from so-called black mass.
This low-value mixture of anode, cathode and other substances is commonly found in end-of-life lithium-ion batteries.
It is hoped the new method could enable cheaper and more sustainable recycling of these energy stores using oil nano-droplets.
Current techniques often rely on extreme heat and corrosive acid, according to the scientists, which has a high carbon impact and produces lower-value materials.
The Leicester team said its emulsion system allowed short-loop recycling of lithium-ion batteries.
University of Leicester School of Chemistry lecturer Jake Yang said: “This quick, simple and inexpensive method could revolutionise how batteries are recycled at scale.
“We now hope to work with a variety of stakeholders to scale up this technology and create a circular economy for lithium-ion batteries.”
