Seeking direct cathode regeneration for more efficient lithium-ion battery recycling

As lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) continue to expand their applications, an effective and economic end-of-life strategy urgently demanded the development of closed-loop manufacturing and the improvement of resource sustainability in the LIB industry. Compared with conventional hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical recycling methods, the direct recycling process is capable of rejuvenating both spent electrodes while avoiding intensive energy and chemical usages, which significantly reduces the cost and secondary wastes. This short review analyzes the recent progress in direct recycling of LIB cathodes with some highlights in the challenges and limitations of materials properties and resource sustainability. It also presents an outlook on the next-generation recycling of spent LIBs with higher environmental benefits and economic returns.