Advanced zero liquid discharge technologies for lithium-ion battery manufacturing wastewater: A comprehensive review

Abstract

The environmental impact of the lithium-ion battery (LIB) industry has raised critical concerns due to wastewater from the LIB manufacturing process containing recalcitrant contaminants, such as metal ions, fluorinated compounds, and organic solvents. Conventional treatment methods often fail to meet stringent effluent discharge standards and result in excessive sludge generation. Therefore, zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems have emerged as a promising approach that integrates water recovery with concentrate valorization, aiming to achieve both pollution control and resource circularity in LIB manufacturing. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of ZLD technologies integrated with resource-recovery strategies for sustainable wastewater management in LIB manufacturing. The physicochemical characteristics of LIB manufacturing effluents and the performance of various innovative treatment technologies, including membrane, thermal, and hybrid systems, are also systematically examined. The review further addresses the sustainable management of concentrate brines through conversion into value-added resources. Despite notable technological advances, significant challenges persist in treating wastewater generated during LIB manufacturing, including high operational costs and energy consumption, scale-up limitations, and regulatory concerns. Future research should aim to develop AI-based ZLD frameworks that improve energy efficiency and enable water reuse through integrated resource recovery. Ultimately, ZLD systems that synergistically combine water reclamation with resource recovery are essential to achieving circular and carbon-neutral LIB wastewater management. Such advancements will help transition conventional energy-intensive treatment infrastructures into smart, sustainable platforms for green battery manufacturing.