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Hydrometallurgical recycling technologies for spent LiFePO4 batteries: Recent advances and challenges

Author

Listed:
  • Nong, Chongqing
  • Yuan, Haoran
  • Liu, Zejian
  • Liu, Hui
  • Han, Jingkun
  • Gu, Jing
  • Chen, Yong

Abstract

Green, high-value, and low-cost recycling of spent LiFePO4 (LFP) is an urgent issue that needs to be addressed, with the increasing retirement of LFP batteries. Among the various recycling technologies, hydrometallurgy has been widely employed due to its mature processes, low energy consumption, and high metal recovery rates. Based on recent advances in hydrometallurgical technology for LFP recycling, this review systematically examines the key steps, including pretreatment, leaching, and separation/purification. The developments and challenges of the leaching process for decommissioned LFP cathodes were focused on. Comparative analysis across four dimensions (reagent consumption, leaching efficacy, economics, and environmental impact) demonstrates that oxidative leaching currently represents the highly viable method for scale-up, benefiting from its low acid consumption and high selectivity compared to conventional hydrometallurgy. Particularly, acid-free oxidative leaching drastically enhances Li selectivity and avoids undesired defects caused by the use of acid. Therefore, it is considered a highly promising solution. Extensive experimental and theoretical researches are required prior to its industrial implementation.

Suggested Citation

  • Nong, Chongqing & Yuan, Haoran & Liu, Zejian & Liu, Hui & Han, Jingkun & Gu, Jing & Chen, Yong, 2026. "Hydrometallurgical recycling technologies for spent LiFePO4 batteries: Recent advances and challenges," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 231(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:231:y:2026:i:c:s1364032126000249
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2026.116725
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