1. Speaker:
Hosub Shin (Purdue University)

2. Title:
Sustainable Cathode Recycling for Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries: From Material Recovery to Regeneration

3. Date & Time:
Thursday, June 4, 2026, 4:00 PM–5:30 PM

4. Venue:
L409

5. Abstract:
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become ubiquitous across a wide range of applications, including consumer electronics, automotive systems, and stationary grid storage. The global demand for LIBs is rapidly increasing, driven by worldwide efforts to decarbonize the transportation sector through electrification. However, the rapid expansion of LIB usage has created challenges regarding sustainable end-of-life management, environmental impacts of discarded batteries, and the resilience of critical battery material supply chains.

To address these challenges, the development of green and cost-competitive recycling technologies for effective recovery and reuse of LIB materials is essential. Such technologies can alleviate material scarcity, enhance environmental sustainability, and contribute to a more secure and circular battery supply chain.

This presentation will explore innovative processes for recycling and reusing cathode active materials, which represent some of the most valuable components in end-of-life LIBs. The discussion will begin with the degradation mechanisms of LIBs at both material and system levels, highlighting fundamental principles for recovering and rejuvenating spent cathode materials. A green solvent-based recovery process will then be introduced, enabling the recovery of cathode materials and aluminum foils while preserving their physical properties, crystal structures, and electrochemical performance. Finally, the presentation will discuss direct cathode regeneration approaches for restoring degraded cathode materials and enabling their reuse in future battery manufacturing.