Rapid, Direct Regeneration of Spent LiCoO₂ Cathodes for Li-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries is essential for the sustainable development of renewable energy technologies, as it promotes resource reuse and environmental protection. Recycling cathode materials is particularly important due to their high concentration of strategic elements. However, traditional recycling methods for cathode materials are often inefficient due to high energy consumption and prolonged operation time. Here, we present an efficient, one-step, nondestructive method for regenerating spent LiCoO2 cathodes within seconds. This method simultaneously achieves relithiation of the cathode material and repair of the crystal structure through rapid Joule heating. Compared to traditional repair methods, this process exhibits low energy consumption and shortened operation time. After an 8 s repair process, the regenerated LiCoO2 has a well-defined layered structure and is restored to its original electrochemical performance, with an initial discharge capacity of 133.0 mAh/g and good cycling performance. This work represents a potentially universal approach for the efficient direct regeneration of cathode materials.