Direct Relithiation and Efficient Regeneration of Spent LiFePO4 Materials through Thermochemical Healing

Abstract

Abstract The environmentally friendly and low-cost recycling of spent LiFePO4 (LFP) cathode materials has become an urgent problem. This paper aims to employ eutectic Li+ molten-salt assisted roasting approach to relithiation and regenerating of spent LFP materials under ambient conditions. Via Li+ compensation and structure reshaping, LiFePO4 cathode material with various degradation conditions can be successfully regenerated, which enables the renovation of the electrochemical performance (the capacity, cycling stability, and rate capability) to the levels of the pristine LFP. It opens a door to the prospect of recycling and remanufacturing degraded cathode materials by this new method, having a strong potential for industrial application.