A Review of Research on Power Battery Recycling and Cascade Utilization: Technical Paths, Policy Impacts and Sustainable Development Paths

This paper systematically reviews the research progress in the field of power battery recycling and cascade utilization, and analyzes it from four dimensions: technical path, economic model, policy impact and environmental benefit. In terms of technical paths, battery sorting technology based on performance characterization, echelon sorting model with multi-state coupling, and adaptability evaluation of echelon utilization scenarios are current research hotspots. The economic model research focuses on the closed-loop supply chain game, the cost sharing and profit distribution mechanism, and the impact of carbon policy on the economic boundary of cascade utilization. The policy impact analysis shows that there are differences between national and local policy frameworks, and the effects of EPR system and subsidy policy are significant, and the coupling effect of policy mix has become a new research focus. In terms of environmental benefit assessment, life cycle carbon footprint analysis, comparison of environmental performance of different processes, and spatiotemporal distribution and environmental risk research are the key contents. However, there are deficiencies in the existing research on multi-objective optimal integration, dynamic scenario adaptation, policy combination effect, interdisciplinary integration, and long-term environmental impact data. Future research directions should include the construction of multi-objective collaborative optimization models, the quantification of policy portfolio effects, the development of interdisciplinary integration of technology-economic models, the full-cycle management based on digital twins, the research of regional collaborative recycling systems, and the environmental and economic assessment of new recycling technologies. The purpose of this paper is to provide a theoretical reference for building a sustainable battery circular economy system, promote the high-quality development of power battery recycling and cascade utilization, and help achieve the “dual carbon” goal.