Organic Eutectic Salts‐Assisted Direct Lithium Regeneration for Extremely Low State of Health Ni‐Rich Cathodes

Abstract

AbstractCurrently, the concept of direct regeneration has garnered considerable attention from the public due to its minimal environmental impact, high economic value, and stable performance of recycled materials. In this study, an organic lithium salt‐assisted eutectic salts direct regeneration (OAER) is proposed for replenishing lithium in an extremely low state of health Ni‐rich cathode (Low SOH NCM). The OAER method capitalizes on the favorable inherent properties of eutectic salts; moreover, the reactions of organic lithium salt create an oxidation environment and vacancies. By employing OAER, Low SOH NCM are able to be recovered, which originally has a capacity of only 46.8 mAh g−1, to 155.5 mAh g−1 with a capacity retention of 95.6% after 100 cycles. Notably, this performance is substantially higher than that achieved through conventional and purely eutectic salt regeneration methods and even slightly surpasses the current commercial NCM material. Considering the economic and environmental benefits of the OAER approach, it demonstrates potential for direct regeneration of Low SOH NCM and exhibits competitiveness for industrial applications.