Core Insights - Researchers at Rice University have developed a new type of reactor that efficiently converts lithium from waste batteries into high-purity lithium hydroxide, paving a cleaner and more economical path for lithium resource recovery [1][2] Group 1: Technology and Process - The new electrochemical reactor simplifies the recycling process by directly generating high-purity lithium hydroxide from lithium ions in discarded cathodes, significantly reducing the number of processing steps [1] - The reactor has a compact design, measuring only 20 square centimeters, and has successfully operated for 1,000 hours while processing 57 grams of industrial black waste [1] - The purity of the recovered lithium hydroxide exceeds 99%, with an average recovery rate close to 90% [1] Group 2: Energy Efficiency - The technology demonstrates excellent energy efficiency, consuming only 103 kilojoules of energy per kilogram of waste in one mode, which is significantly lower than traditional acid leaching processes [1] - In another mode, the energy consumption is just 536 kilojoules per kilogram [1] Group 3: Versatility and Supply Chain Resilience - This method is applicable to various battery types, including lithium iron phosphate, lithium manganese oxide, and nickel manganese cobalt materials [1] - The reactor can even process complete lithium iron phosphate electrodes attached to aluminum foil without the need for scraping or pre-treatment, enhancing supply chain resilience [2]