Recovery and regeneration of lithium manganese oxide from spent lithium-ion batteries

This study presents a method for recovering and regenerating Lithium Manganese Oxide (LMO) from spent Lithium-polymer batteries in order to recycle it in an environmentally friendly way. Two different processes for separating LMO were developed and the environmental impact of the two processes was analyzed. A process for relithiating the lithium-deficient LMO after recovery was also developed. Experiments were carried out to determine the regeneration chemical process parameters, and process conditions were optimized for the best spinel LMO formation. Various physical and chemical analysis of the regenerated LMO showed that its all major characteristics, such as crystal structure and manganese oxidation state, are in agreement with the LMO used in the original process of battery making. The electrochemical behavior of the regenerated LMO was studied and the results reinforced the feasibility of the recovery and regeneration processes.