We showed that lithium can be sustainably recovered from secondary solid and liquid streams using low-impact leaching and electrodialytic approaches, with promising results for Al/Li alloy dust (91.5%) and industrial wastewaters (97%). The work highlights how strongly feedstock characteristics influence performance and confirms the electrodialytic process as an effective and selective recovery step, supporting more environmentally friendly lithium valorisation routes. Working in RELiEF has been a very positive experience, thanks to the strong collaboration and shared commitment to sustainable innovation.

We processed recycled lithium streams into battery-ready material inputs and reinforced the core elements of a closed-loop route: robust lithium carbonate recovery from purified solutions, successfully cathode material regeneration, using both commercial and recycled lithium sources, and controlled lithium metal deposition as thin films anodes in non-aqueous/ionic-liquid systems. I especially appreciated the consortium’s practical, collaborative way of solving problems across different situations, which is exactly what circular battery value chains need. These results strengthen Europe’s prospects for scalable, circular battery materials and open clear routes for scale-up and integration in future recycling lines.

RELiEF managed to efficiently communicate, disseminate and prepare the exploitation of the project’s advances in sustainable lithium recovery from secondary sources across Europe, strengthening the link between research, industry and policy stakeholders. Beyond the impact-driven dissemination, these results support a circular battery materials value chain and enhance the possibilities for the EU’s capacity to reduce lithium waste by over 70 % in the long term. Our work sets new opportunities for scalable recycling solutions that contribute to EU competitiveness and raw material autonomy.