A simple process to resynthesize the LiCoO2 and LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 compounds from the cathode material extracted from a batch of spent LCO batteries

Abstract A low-cost and straightforward resynthesis process based on the complete thermal decomposition of the cathode material extracted from a batch of discarded LiCoO2 (LCO) batteries is described. After leaching the thermally decomposed products, the residue and the filtered solution were employed as feedstock for the resyntheses. The Co3O4 powder residue, filtered from the leached solution, and commercial Li2CO3 were employed to resynthesize the LiCoO2 compound by solid-state reaction. The filtered leached solution containing Li+ and Co2+ ions was used to resynthesize the LiCoO2 and LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 compounds by the sol-gel technique. In these resyntheses, commercial Li, Ni, and Mn acetates were used for compositional adjustments. The charge capacity of electrodes manufactured with the resynthesized compounds was measured by charge and discharge curves in a Li-metal oxide/LiClO4-EC:DMC/Li° electrochemical cell.