Re-synthesis and Electrochemical Characteristics of LiFePO4 Cathode Materials Recycled from Scrap Electrodes

This paper describes an environmentally friendly process for the recovery of LiFePO4 cathode materials from scrap electrodes by a simple thermal treatment method. The active materials were easily separated from the aluminum substrate foil and polymeric binders were also decomposed at different temperatures (400 degrees C, 500 degrees C, 600 degrees C) for 30 min under nitrogen gas flow. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The electrochemical properties of the recycled LiFePO4 cathode were evaluated by galvanostatic charge and discharge modes. The specific charge/discharge capacities of the recycled LiFePO4 cathode were similar to those of the original LiFePO4 cathode. The LiFePO4 cathode material recovered at 500 degrees C exhibits a somewhat higher capacity than those of other recovered materials at high current rates. The recycled LiFePO4 cathode also showed a good cycling performance.