This study proposes a fully integrated closed-loop recycling framework designed to maximize the recovery efficiency of critical materials from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The research evaluates the environmental impact and economic feasibility of hydrometallurgical and direct-regeneration processes, comparing multiple urban waste-generation models across major metropolitan areas in Korea.

Through a series of pilot-scale experiments, the team achieved a 92% recovery rate for lithium and over 95% purity for regenerated cathode materials, demonstrating significant potential for large-scale application.

The project highlights not only the reduction of hazardous waste but also the sustainable supply of secondary raw materials for next-generation battery manufacturing. These findings are expected to contribute to national carbon-neutral strategies and reinforce the importance of circular economy practices in high-density urban systems.