Recycling spent lithium-ion batteries is integral to today’s low-carbon environmental protection efforts. The concept of direct regeneration, acknowledged for its environmental sustainability, economic viability, and consistent performance of recycled materials, is gaining prominence. This study presents an efficient and nondestructive approach by utilizing an ultrafast microwave technology to directly regenerate spent lithium cobaltate (LCO) cathode materials. In contrast to conventional furnace-based processes, this method significantly reduces the regeneration timeframe. By subjecting the spent LCO mixed with lithium sources to three microwave heating cycles (at approximately 1,350 K), LCO regeneration is achieved, yielding a specific capacity of 140.8 mAh g⁻¹ (0.2 C) with a robust cycle stability. With further environmental and economic benefits, the ultrafast microwave technology holds scientific promise for directly regenerating cathode materials, while establishing competitiveness for industrial applications.

废旧锂离子电池的回收利用是当今低碳环保努力的重要组成部分。直接再生的概念因其环境可持续性、经济可行性和再生材料的一致性能而受到认可，正日益受到重视。这项研究提出了一种利用超快微波技术直接再生废钴酸锂（LCO）正极材料的高效且无损的方法。与传统的基于熔炉的工艺相比，该方法显着缩短了再生时间。通过将与锂源混合的废 LCO 进行三个微波加热循环（约 1,350 K），实现 LCO 再生，产生比容量为 140.8 mAh g ⁻¹ (0.2 C) 的强大循环稳定性。超快微波技术具有进一步的环境和经济效益，为直接再生阴极材料提供了科学前景，同时建立了工业应用的竞争力。