Collaborative Regeneration of Structural Evolution for High-Performance of LiCoO₂ Materials from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

The scientific recycling of cathode materials from spent lithium-ion batteries is beneficial for protecting environment and saving resources. Resolving poor cycling performance and improving the energy density of regenerated materials become urgent issues for the direct short-range recycling process. Here, we demonstrate a collaborative process with Li+ replenishment and co-doping for direct regeneration of spent LiCoO2 materials by the high-temperature solid-phase method. Based on the collaborative process, repairing of the crystal structure defects of the spent LiCoO2 and doping of Mg/Ti at Co site were achieved with replenishing the lack of chemical composition. The co-modified regenerated materials display the best high-voltage performance due to inhibiting phase transformation, strengthening structural stability, and enhancing Li+ diffusion ability by Mg/Ti co-doping. Our work provides an efficient approach for the short-range regeneration of spent cathode materials with boosting the development of the recycling industry for spent lithium-ion batteries.