Revealing the mechanism of reductive, mechanochemical Li recycling from LiFePO4†

In order to mitigate the risks associated with cobalt supply, a safe and affordable LiFePO₄-based (LFP) cathode for Li-ion batteries can be a significant solution to meet the rapidly growing battery market. However, economical and environmentally friendly recycling of LFP is impossible with currently available recycling technologies. In this study, an acid-free mechanochemical approach is applied to reclaim Li from LFP using Al as a reducing agent. The reaction mechanism involved in reductive ball-milling followed by water leaching has been elucidated through the examination of various milling times and molar ratios of components, fostering a deeper understanding of the process. Assessing the yield and purity of the final products provides insights into potential enhancements for this technology. Utilizing Al as the material of the current collector eliminates the need for additional external additives, thereby simplifying the recycling workflow. Continued research into this process has the potential to facilitate efficient and economical recycling of LFP materials.