Seeking Direct Cathode Regeneration for More Efficient Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling

Abstract As lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) continue to expand their applications, effective and economic end-of-life strategy is urgently demanded for the development of a closed-loop manufacturing and the improvement of resource sustainability in LIB industry. Compared with conventional hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical recycling methods, direct recycling process is capable of rejuvenating both spent electrodes while avoiding the intensive energy and chemical usages, which significantly reduces the cost and secondary wastes. This short review analyzes the recent progress in direct recycling of LIB cathodes with some highlights in the challenges and limitations of materials properties and resource sustainability. It also presents an outlook on the next-generation recycling of spent LIBs with higher environmental benefit and economic returns.