UK scientists use cooking oil to recycle dead lithium batteries in minutes

undefined 25, 2025

Source: interestingengineering

Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed a simple, sustainable method for recycling lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries using water and cooking oil. By creating nano oil droplets with ultrasound, the team separates graphite from valuable metals in the "black mass" leftover after battery shredding. This approach avoids the use of heat and acid, maintaining the quality of recovered materials for reuse in new battery cells. The researchers hope to scale this technique to create a circular economy for Li-ion batteries, making recycling cheaper and more eco-friendly.

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