Life cycle of lithium-ion battery recycling systems enable carbon capture, utilization, and storage: A review

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Energy Strategy Reviews

Publication Date

7-1-2026

Abstract

The lithium-ion battery (LIB) is the primary component of electric vehicles (EVs), and its environmental consequences are significant for the eventual widespread adoption of EVs. Recycling used LIBs protects the environment and allows for the reuse of valuable materials. To achieve the goal of a circular economy, LIB recycling processes that conserve environmentally friendly resources and maintain sustainability need to be developed. The critical technology for achieving global climate goals is carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), which makes it possible to significantly lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions across power and industrial systems. The LIB recycling and CCUS are becoming an important research direction within the circular economy and low-carbon energy systems. These two sectors are increasingly interconnected through the pathways of minimizing CO2 emissions and conserving natural resources through less raw material mining, recycling LIBs helps minimize the LIB's negative environmental effects. The CCUS developments, their interaction with LIB, and their wider socioeconomic, environmental, and sociological ramifications are all thoroughly evaluated in this review. The basics of CO2 capture, use, and storage are covered first, then the technical infrastructure elements supporting reliable and efficient implementation are thoroughly examined. To improve sustainability and financial feasibility, the research additionally addresses how CCUS might work in concert with low-carbon and renewable technologies in LIB recycling. This article examines market incentives, regulatory frameworks, funding methods, cost drivers, and deployment approaches within the economic and policy context, highlighting both advancements and persistent gaps. Also, the effects of CCUS on both the environment and society are thoroughly assessed, with particular attention to the potential risks associated with long-term storage, ecological impacts, and challenges in achieving public acceptance. Regional advancements, cooperative efforts, and the growing impetus towards cluster-based infrastructure models are highlighted in a global overview of CCUS activities. This study concluded by highlighting potential directions for technological advancement, policy integration, and international collaboration, while also noting several significant technological, regulatory, and social challenges. Additionally, the importance of CCUS as a technological platform for transparent, effective LIB recycling and a renewable energy revolution, combining knowledge from economics and policy. To scale CCUS in accordance with net-zero emissions and sustainable development goals (SDGs), it offers researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders strategic assistance on global coordination, recycling technologies, policy harmonization, and economics.

ISSN

2211-467X

Publisher

Elsevier BV

Volume

66

Disciplines

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Keywords

Battery recycling, Carbon capture, Carbon storage, Carbon utilization, Lithium-ion battery, Net-zero goals

Scopus ID

105041117255

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

yes

Open Access Type

Gold: This publication is openly available in an open access journal/series

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