An Emerging and Consummate Photocatalysis-Assisted Strategy for Efficient Recycling of Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries

Imperfect recycling technology and inconsistent decommissioning levels hinder the joint development of social and economic benefits in the recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Formulating a more consummate strategy to recover cathodes with different degradation levels is critical for optimizing the recycling of the spent LIBs. This paper presents an advanced approach for photocatalytic-assisted recovery of spent LIBs based on the decommissioning degree of cathode materials. UV-assisted Li and Co leaching efficiency reached 99.56% and 98.25%, over 35% higher than non-UV assistance, with a lower recovery cost than ultrasound (68.94%) and stirring (81.25%). Additionally, we realized the high-value reuse of photocatalytic-assisted leached lithium solution, and the repaired-LiCoO2 exhibited a high capacity, 179.4 mAh g–1, at 0.1 C. The recovery process generates more than three times the economic benefits of traditional methods. This environmentally friendly and energy-efficient recycling method is well-suited for efficiently recovering Ni-enriched anodes, offering new insights into recovering spent LIBs.