A Patent Landscape Analysis on the Recycling of Lithium-Ion Battery Positive Electrode Materials: Trends, Technologies, and the Future

The massive production and utilization of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has intensified concerns about raw material shortage and end-of-life battery management. The development of effective recycling/reusing strategies, especially for the valuable active positive electrode materials, has attracted much interest from both academia and industry. This study presents a comprehensive patent analysis on the recycling technologies of spent LIBs. We screened and examined 672 patent filings associated with 367 application families, covering the period from 1994 to 2024. The analysis reveals an explosive growth in patenting activity since 2020, with China and the United States leading in geographical coverage. Hydrometallurgy continues as the most patented recycling technology, followed by direct regeneration, separation, and pyrometallurgy. Key innovations focus on improving leaching efficiency, developing novel purification methods, and exploring various relithiation strategies. The study also highlights the significant involvement of both companies and academic institutions in driving innovation. Our findings provide insights into the technological landscape, identify emerging trends, and lead to the discussion of potential future developments in LIB positive electrode recycling. This analysis serves as a valuable resource for researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers working towards sustainable energy storage solutions and circular economy strategies in the battery sector.