Sustainable and efficient recycling strategies for spent lithium iron phosphate batteries: Current status and prospect

Lithium iron phosphate batteries (LFPBs) have gained widespread acceptance for energy storage due to their exceptional properties, including a long-life cycle and high energy density. Currently, lithium-ion batteries are experiencing numerous end-of-life issues, which necessitate urgent recycling measures. Consequently, it becomes increasingly significant to address the resource implications and potential environmental risks associated with these batteries. Therefore, a comprehensive and in-depth review of the recycling technologies for spent lithium iron phosphate batteries (SLFPBs) is essential. The review provided a visual summary of the existing recycling technologies for various types of SLFPBs, facilitating an objective evaluation of these technologies. First, the review summarized and analyzed SLFPB recovery technologies in a comprehensive and multidimensional manner, focusing on three aspects: mechanical physics recovery methods, biological and chemical recovery methods, and electrode material regeneration methods. Second, the review systematically evaluated the characteristics of various recovery technologies and discussed the opportunities and challenges associated with LFPB recovery. Additionally, the review proposed a full-component, double-cycle, eco-friendly and efficient process route for SLFPBs that leverages existing technologies. The process was divided into five stages: safe pretreatment of batteries, removal of low-value collectors, leaching and extraction of high-value lithium, conversion of leaching residue into valuable materials, and regeneration of LFPB cathode electrode materials, which aimed to integrate various lithium-ion battery (LIB) recycling technologies. The goal of this integration was to maximize the benefits of SLFPB recycling by achieving low pollution, low energy consumption, and comprehensive, sustainable recycling of SLFPBs.