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2025 Vol.34, Issue 5 Preview Page

Article Review

Analysis of Electrolyte Recycling Technology from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries(LIBs)

폐 리튬이온전지(LIB) 전해액 재활용 기술 분석

Jaewoo Ahn1*
,
Junhee Kim1
,
Jaehyuk Chang1
,
Minhyuk Seo1
,
Youngjae Lee1
안 재우1*
,
김 준희1
,
장 재혁1
,
서 민혁1
,
이 영재1
1Department of Advanced Materials Sci. & Eng., Daejin University, Pocheon 11159, Republic of Korea
1대진대학교 신소재공학과
*Corresponding Author
31 October 2025. pp. 32-52
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Abstract

Recycling electrolytes from spent lithium-ion batteries(LIBs) is a critical step toward sustainable resource management and environmental protection. Electrolytes, consisting of organic solvents and lithium salts, contain hazardous chemicals and represent a significant fraction of battery waste. In the absence of effective recovery technologies, they may lead to severe environmental contamination and resource depletion. Current recovery methods including mechanical separation, solvent extraction, supercritical CO₂ extraction, and low-temperature decomposition each present distinct advantages and limitations in terms of efficiency, purity, and cost-effectiveness. However, no single approach can fully satisfy the requirements for both safety and performance, highlighting the need for integrated and optimized processes. Future research should prioritize the development of eco-friendly and energy-efficient technologies with scalability for industrial applications. This study provides a comprehensive review of existing electrolyte recovery strategies and proposes pathways toward effective and sustainable recycling.

Keywords
Lithium-ion batteries
Electrolyte recycling
Solvent extraction
Supercritical CO2
Resource recovery

폐 리튬이온전지(LIB)에서 전해질을 재활용하는 것은 자원 순환과 환경 보호를 위한 핵심 과제이다. 전해질은 유기용매와 리튬염으로 구성되어 있으며, 유해 화학물질을 포함하고 전지 폐기물 중 상당한 비중을 차지한다. 적절한 회수 기술이 확보되지 않을 경우 심각한 환경오염과 자원 고갈을 초래할 수 있다. 현재까지 전해질 회수를 위해 기계적 분리, 용매 추출, 초임계 CO₂ 추출, 저온 분해 등의 기술이 적용되고 있으나, 효율성, 순도, 경제성 측면에서 각각의 장단점을 지닌다. 그러나 단일 기술만으로는 안전성과 성능을 동시에 충족하기 어려우므로, 통합적이고 최적화된 공정의 개발이 필요하다. 향후 연구는 친환경적이며 에너지 효율적일 뿐만 아니라 산업적 확장이 가능한 기술 개발에 중점을 두어야 한다. 본 연구에서는 기존 전해질 회수 기술을 종합적으로 고찰하고, 효과적이고 지속 가능한 전해질 재활용 방안을 제시하고자 한다.

키워드
리튬이온전지
전해질 재활용
용매 추출
초임계 이산화탄소
자원 회수
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Information
  • Publisher :The Korean Institute of Resources Recycling
  • Publisher(Ko) :한국자원리싸이클링학회
  • Journal Title :Resources Recycling
  • Journal Title(Ko) :자원리싸이클링
  • Volume : 34
  • No :5
  • Pages :32-52
  • Received Date : 2025-08-29
  • Revised Date : 2025-09-30
  • Accepted Date : 2025-10-02
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.7844/kirr.2025.34.5.32
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