Cathode electrolysis for the comprehensive recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Clean lithium-ion battery recycling is indispensable to make the battery market sustainable. Here, we develop an electrochemical approach to separate the cathode film (6 cm × 20 cm) from the Al substrate and simultaneously leach Li and transition metals from the cathode film in 0.5 M H₂SO₄, leaving behind the conductive carbon and polyvinylidene fluoride binder that are reusable. For LiCoO₂ batteries, LiCoO₂ was converted to soluble Li⁺ and Co²⁺ with a leaching efficiency of over 97%. Besides, the cathode electrolysis is applicable to treat LiMn₂O₄ and LiNi_0.5Co_0.2Mn_0.3O₂. Overall, the cathode electrolysis employs electrons as both reducing agents and exfoliation force, offering a promising pathway to comprehensively reclaim all components from spent cathodes with limited secondary wastes and energy consumption.