Regeneration of Spent LIB Electrode Materials: An Outlook from Lab-Scale Feasibility to Industrial Integration
Arindam Sen, P. Kumari, Rajen Kundu
Abstract
The rapid expansion of lithium-ion battery (LIB) technology has led to growing concerns over resource depletion, environmental impact, and sustainability of battery materials. Chemically driven lithiation reactions provide an effective method for directly regenerating degraded LIB cathodes, namely lithium cobalt oxides (LCO), lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides (NMC), and lithium iron phosphate (LFP), restoring their lithium (Li + ) content and electrochemical performance efficiently. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of regeneration strategies spanning from lab-scale feasibility studies to industrial integration challenges. Various recycling approaches, including hydrometallurgical, pyrometallurgical, and direct regeneration methods, are explored regarding their efficiency, material recovery rates, and environmental impact. While lab-scale studies demonstrate promising regeneration techniques, industrial-scale adoption faces critical challenges, such as process scalability, energy consumption, material purity, and economic viability. Additionally, policy frameworks and regulatory standards play crucial roles in promoting sustainable LIB recycling practices. This review highlights recent advancements, identifies existing gaps, and discusses future directions for bridging research and large-scale implementation. By addressing technical, economic, and regulatory challenges, this study aims to facilitate the development of efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable LIB regeneration technologies.