Cobalt recovery from waste li-ion batteries: development and issues in technology transfer

The global consumption of Li-ion batteries is of approximately US$8billion annually and is expected to rise fourfold and reach 3400 metric tons by 2020 and four million metric tons by 2040. These batteries have a short life spam (2–4 years) and can result in huge electronic waste which is being considered hazardous for the environment. However, the waste lithium ion batteries of mobile phones contain many valuable metals also which need to be recovered for the conservation of natural resources vis-à-vis environmental protection. So the need of such technologies which can recover valuable metals out of it and the commercialization of that technology to the industry is highly desirable. The present case study deals with such a technology which can recover cobalt from waste lithium ion batteries and transfer of that technology to the industry. A detailed discussion with the scientist, industrial unit and the Central Pollution Control board (CBCB) led to a conclusion that administrative delays caused by human resources shortage and missing linkages are the reasons for delay in technology commercialization.