LiCoO2: recycling from spent batteries and regeneration with solid state synthesis

Abstract

A green recycling process was designed and used to recycle spent LiCoO₂ batteries, and the recycled LiCoO₂ was regenerated after the solid state synthesis with Li₂CO₃. XRD results showed that the layered structure of LiCoO₂ was repaired after regeneration. The physical and chemical properties (XRD, morphology, tap density, average particle size, specific surface areas and pH value) and electrochemical properties (discharge capacity, attenuation rate of capacity, plateau retention at 3.6 V and attenuation rate of plateau) of LiCoO₂ after regeneration were tested in detail and compared with commercial LiCoO₂. The test data show that the regenerated LiCoO₂ at 900 °C can meet the commercial requirements for reuse.