Recycling Technologies for Cathode Materials from Spent Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries: An Overview

With the accelerated deployment of new energy vehicles and the global pursuit of carbon neutrality and carbon peaking goals, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries have become a dominant technology in the energy storage market. The rapid expansion in their production and application has led to a surge in the number of spent LFP batteries, raising urgent concerns regarding resource recovery and environmental sustainability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recycling technologies for spent LFP batteries, which are categorized into three major routes: (i) conventional metallurgical recycling, including pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes; (ii) direct regeneration strategies, such as electrochemical and solid-state approaches; and (iii) emerging green technologies, which leverage external fields or novel eco-friendly solvents to enhance recovery efficiency. The fundamental mechanisms, advantages, and limitations of each approach are systematically analyzed and compared. Finally, we also discuss current challenges and future directions for developing high-efficiency, low-cost, and environmentally benign recycling systems. These technological advances are expected to not only promote resource circularity and reduce ecological burdens but also provide a solid foundation for the sustainable evolution of the lithium-ion battery industry.