Applications of Electrothermal Shock for Synthesis and Reuse of Cathode Materials in Lithium-Ion Batteries

The worldwide promotion for carbon neutrality has driven a pressing demand for advancements in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) technology and the closed-loop recycling for retired batteries. While the production of LIBs cathode materials is mature in industrial-scale, evolving requirements for higher energy density, lower cost, and better sustainability call for breakthroughs in traditional synthesis and recycling approaches. With an ultrafast heating rate exceeding 10³°C s^-1, electrothermal shock (ETS) technology achieves rapid thermal process featuring unique advantages in both kinetic and thermodynamic regulations. For LIBs cathode materials synthesis, this approach enhances the electrochemical performance while significantly reduces the energy consumption. In the case of spent LIBs cathode recycling, ETS technology enables regeneration through targeted elemental supplementation and phase reconstruction, effectively addressing the interfacial degradation, phase collapse, and elemental loss. This review summarizes the latest advancements in the application of ETS technology for LIBs cathode materials synthesis and reuse, with a particular focus on the reaction mechanisms and technical advantages. Moreover, the primary challenges and industrial scalability are also assessed while identifying the key future directions, providing technical blueprint for establishing LIBs circular economy systems.