Lithium-ion battery production involves various technologies, including extraction methods like solar evaporation and direct lithium extraction, along with electrode manufacturing and cell assembly techniques. Recycling technologies such as hydrometallurgical processes and direct recycling are also crucial for recovering valuable materials and enhancing sustainability.

Better lithium for better batteries

"The rechargeable batteries that are needed for the green-energy transition rely on lithium — but mining the mineral is expensive, energy-intensive and uses enormous amounts of water. The good news is that improvements to existing methods of separating lithium from lower-quality sources are on the way... Another bottleneck is the production of rechargeable batteries at scale — something that only China has cracked, so far..."

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-00213-0