Regenerated LiFePO4 Cathode

Low-Temperature Self-Repair

A low-temperature regeneration method for spent LiFePO4 cathodes using citric acid and urea, which also constructs an N-doped carbon layer to enhance conductivity.

Li, Meng · Zhiyuan, Zeng · Hu, Jiehui · Shang, Zhen · Xu, Shengming

Advanced Materials 2026

Specifications

Initial discharge specific capacity

{'zh': '163', 'en': '163'} mAh/g

Capacity retention

{'zh': '93.5', 'en': '93.5'} %

Advantages

Repair at low temperature

Citric acid creates a reductive atmosphere that reduces Fe(III) to Fe(II), eliminating Li-Fe anti-site defects.

Enhanced conductivity

Urea provides nitrogen to form an N-doped carbon layer, improving electronic conductivity and lithium-ion migration.

More stable structure

Strengthened Fe-O and P─O bonds increase overall structural stability, leading to remarkable electrochemical performance.

Applications

• Lithium iron phosphate batteries：Provides a low-cost regenerated cathode material that can be directly used in battery assembly, reducing production costs.
• Battery recycling：Offers an environmentally friendly and low-energy recycling route for spent batteries, avoiding high-temperature or strong-acid treatment.
• Battery material regeneration：Repairs defects in spent cathodes and builds a conductive carbon layer to restore electrochemical performance.