[Joule] Microbial recycling of lithium-ion batteries: Challenges and outlook

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The cover image illustrates the microbial recycling of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). It is generally depicted as microbes (e.g., Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans [red colored], Leptospirillum ferrooxidans [green colored], Penicillium simplicissimum [cream colored]) attacking the cathode material on a LIB to leach out the metals such as lithium (white), cobalt (purple), and nickel (green). In this issue, Roy et al. advocate for microbial recycling of LIBs as a sustainable alternative to conventional processes. The article discusses the benefits, future study recommendations, and applications of microbial-based metal recycling technologies that utilize current concepts as environmentally cleaner options, and it specifically focuses on the benefits of microbial-based metal recycling technologies, including bioleaching, biosorption, and biofabrication. 

Joule, Mar 15, 2023, Volume 7, Issue 3, p431-602

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joule.2023.01.004

https://www.cell.com/joule/current#closeFullCover