Efficient recycling strategies for spent graphite anodes in lithium-ion batteries

The extensive application of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles has led to a torrential surge of end-of-life batteries. As the dominant anode material, graphite’s environmental and resource costs in production highlight the necessity of recycling spent graphite (SG). However, SG recycling technologies remain markedly underdeveloped compared to the cathode recovery status, due to perceived lower economic value. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the current SG growth trend and highlights the cost accounting for graphite recycling and the significant importance of advanced recycling technologies. By examining the failure mechanisms of graphite, various recycling and upcycling technologies in both practical application and fundamental research are fully discussed, in terms of the regeneration principle, recycling effect, strengths, and limitations of each method. Furthermore, the multi-purpose applications of recycled graphite beyond LIB anodes are explored to enhance its high-value properties. Finally, the prospects of SG recycling and large-scale application challenges are presented, including economic feasibility, process optimization, and regulatory restrictions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of developments in SG recycling strategies, offering valuable insights for narrowing the gap between fundamental research and practical applications.