A closed-loop process for recycling LiNi_xCo_yMn_(1−x−y)O₂ from mixed cathode materials of lithium-ion batteries

With the rapid development of consumer electronics and electric vehicles (EV), a large number of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been generated worldwide. Thus, effective recycling technologies to recapture a significant amount of valuable metals contained in spent LIBs are highly desirable to prevent the environmental pollution and resource depletion. In this work, a novel recycling technology to regenerate a LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ cathode material from spent LIBs with different cathode chemistries has been developed. By dismantling, crushing, leaching and impurity removing, the LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ (selected as an example of LiNi_xCo_yMn_(1−x−y)O₂) powder can be directly prepared from the purified leaching solution via co-precipitation followed by solid-state synthesis. For comparison purposes, a fresh-synthesized sample with the same composition has also been prepared using the commercial raw materials via the same method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical measurements have been carried out to characterize these samples. The electrochemical test result suggests that the re-synthesized sample delivers cycle performance and low rate capability which are comparable to those of the fresh-synthesized sample. This novel recycling technique can be of great value to the regeneration of a pure and marketable LiNi_xCo_yMn_(1−x−y)O₂ cathode material with low secondary pollution.