Life Cycle of LiFePO4 Batteries: Production, Recycling, and Market Trends

Abstract

Significant attention has focused on olivine‐structured LiFePO4 (LFP) as a promising cathode active material (CAM) for lithium‐ion batteries. This iron‐based compound offers advantages over commonly used Co and Ni due to its lower toxicity abundance, and cost‐effectiveness. Despite its current commercial use in energy storage technology, there remains a need for cost‐effective production methods to create electrochemically active LiFePO4. Consequently, there is ongoing interest in developing innovative approaches for LiFePO4 production. While LFP batteries exhibit significant thermal stability, cycling performance, and environmental benefits, their growing adoption has increased battery disposal rates. Improper disposal practices for waste LFP batteries result in environmental degradation and the depletion of valuable resources. This review comprehensively examines diverse synthesis approaches for generating LFP powders, encompassing conventional methodologies alongside novel procedures. Furthermore, it conducts an in‐depth assessment of the methodologies employed in recycling waste LFP batteries. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of LFP cathode recycling and investigates pretreatment techniques to enhance understanding. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into the recycling process of used LFP batteries, aiming to raise awareness regarding the market for retired LFP batteries and advocate for the enduring sustainability of lithium‐ion batteries.