Challenges in the direct lithiation of spent LFP cathodes: the crucial role of reducing agents

Abstract

Recycling spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has become essential for mitigating resource shortages and reducing the environmental impact. Especially with the wide use of LiFePO₄ cathodes, LIBs have become one of the most attractive batteries owing to their excellent electrochemical performance, long life cycle, safety and abundant availability of component elements. This article reviews the most advanced recycling technology for spent LFP cathodes: direct chemical regeneration. The literature review presented here focuses on the role of reducing agents. The direct recycling methods aim at repairing degraded LFP cathode materials and thereby reducing energy and chemical needs compared with traditional recycling methods, which are hindered by high energy consumption and secondary pollution. These innovations improve battery cycle life, lower energy consumption and production costs and support sustainable resource management. Direct regeneration technologies offer new opportunities to minimise resource waste and environmental pollution, promoting sustainable management of spent LIBs and advancing renewable energy technologies.