Overview
- The process repairs end‑of‑life LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) cathodes rather than breaking them down, recovering their ordered layered crystal structure.
- A ternary molten salt of lithium hydroxide, lithium nitrate, and lithium salicylate enables lithium‑ion transport into damaged material and removes the surface rock‑salt layer.
- Regenerated cathodes delivered an initial discharge capacity of 196 mAh/g and retained 76% after 200 charge–discharge cycles in laboratory testing.
- The technique operates at relatively lower temperatures and avoids strong acids or toxic solvents, suggesting reduced energy use and environmental impact pending full analyses.
- Findings were published in Energy & Environment Nexus on Oct. 16, 2025, with the team planning process optimization, pilot‑scale evaluation, and comprehensive life‑cycle and cost assessments.