Dead batteries cough up lithium after a bath in CO₂ and water, boffins say
https://www.theregister.com/2026/01/20/researchers_retrieve_lithium_from_dead_batteries/
Batteries power everyday life, but recycling them cleanly and safely at scale is still hard. A Chinese research team says they’ve found a way to recycle Li-ion batteries using carbon dioxide and water. It’s early-stage and won’t spark a market revolution overnight, but the approach could cut waste and energy use if it scales. The goal is to reclaim metals with fewer harsh chemicals and to add a practical option to the battery recycling toolkit. If proven at pilot scale, the method could complement existing routes and reduce environmental impact. Yet challenges remain: cost, durability, and fit with current supply chains. Still, it signals progress in turning waste into resource and broadening the options for handling the growing pile of used cells.
