Direct recycling of battery cathodes via a sustainable low-carbon approach

LiFePO4 (LFP) batteries have been largely used in stationary and vehicle applications.

LFP batteries have low material values, and can only be recycled in a highly efficient way, in order to make the recycling profitable. This is far beyond the capability of state-of-art recycling methods.

In this project, a defect-targeted reparation is developed for direct recycling of LFP from spent Li ion batteries (LIBs).

Specifically, we plan to combine a low-temperature relithiation in aqueous solution and a rapid thermal treatment to achieve a direct regeneration of LFP, which can be used in LIBs as pristine LFP.

Life-cycle analysis will be performed to demonstrate whether this approach can lead to reduced energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, and economic profit.

Through this project, we could ultimately retain spent LFP batteries in Sweden, and even attract from other countries, as this approach might ensure a highly possible profitability for recycling of LFP.