Electrochemical Lithium Recovery with a LiMn2O4–Zinc Battery System using Zinc as a Negative Electrode

Abstract Securing lithium resources is an emerging issue owing to the widespread use of lithium‐ion batteries. Recently, an electrochemical lithium recovery method based on the principle of a lithium‐ion battery using a lithium‐capturing electrode and silver as a negative electrode was proposed to meet the increased demand for lithium. However, the high cost of silver is one hindrance to facilitating the practical use of this electrochemical lithium recovery. In this study, zinc, which has a low price, large capacity, and stable redox potential, was proposed as an alternative negative electrode material. Using a LiMn2O4–zinc (LMO‐Zn) battery system, lithium was selectively recovered with an energy consumption of 6.3 Wh mol−1 of lithium recovered. Zinc was reversibly oxidized and reduced during the lithium‐recovery process without side reactions and weight loss.