At the Lithium Battery Recycling Forum during the 10th CLNB New Energy Industry Chain Expo 2025, hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co. , Ltd. (SMM), Ai Wuyun, founder and chairman of Shenzhen Xinmao New Energy Technology Co. , Ltd. , presented key insights on "Progress in Cathode and Anode Material Restoration and Recycling. " **Purpose and Importance of Lithium Battery Recycling** The main goals of recycling lithium batteries include: - Efficient resource use to reduce dependence on primary ores and ease resource shortages. - Minimizing environmental pollution risks. - Lowering costs to meet industry demands. - Overcoming technical challenges such as low recycling rates and material degradation. Recycling significance encompasses promoting a circular economy, supporting sustainable new energy development, fostering emerging industries, enhancing strategic resource security, conserving energy, reducing carbon emissions, meeting international responsibilities, and enabling high-value reuse. **LFP Batteries Dominate and Future Trends** China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) battery installations have grown rapidly, with NEV penetration reaching 40% in 2024, representing 70. 5% of the global market. Since 2021, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries have increasingly led the market, accounting for 74. 6% in 2024, a share expected to grow further. Regarding recycling, LFP batteries accounted for 61. 2% of recycled volumes in 2024. Projections estimate by 2029, LFP recycling volume could reach 2. 531 million metric tons (mt), ternary batteries 1. 0404 million mt, and LCO batteries 75, 400 mt. Thus, LFP battery recycling volume is poised for substantial growth, while LCO recycling remains largely stable. **Recycling Methods for Waste LFP Batteries** The competitive edge in recycling technology hinges on cost control focusing on yield, performance, quality, carbon emission reduction, energy saving, and environmental friendliness. - Currently, hydrometallurgy dominates (over 99%) with restoration as a secondary method. - In the future, restoration will become the primary approach, with hydrometallurgy supplementary, and recovery rates of battery components approaching theoretical maxima. **Advances in LFP Recycling** Significant improvements include: - **Product Quality Enhancement:** Via technological innovation, better raw material screening with multiple checks, automation to mitigate contamination risks, optimized roasting processes controlling atmospheres and pressures, and development of demagnetization equipment to remove magnetic residues from powders. - **Environmental Optimization:** Improved removal of magnetic substances and dust. Results show magnetic impurities in secondary LFP decreased by 56% (average) and 40% (sigma). Magnetic metal particles decreased by 46. 67%, all values falling below 50 particles/kg.

Battery K-values, indicating quality, also dropped significantly; dismantled pouch cells revealed no separator abnormalities. **Graphite Recycling Progress** Graphite purification faces challenges due to complex impurity compositions. Xinmao developed innovative box-type and internal series furnaces that triple furnace loading capacity compared to traditional high-temperature furnaces, enhancing consistency and reducing costs and carbon emissions. Purified secondary graphite achieves 99. 95% purity, greatly improving its industrial value. **Anode Graphite Recycling and Market** Top-tier lithium-ion battery manufacturers B and C, which use artificial graphite anodes and hold over 70% market share, supply pole pieces for Xinmao’s recycling activities. **Secondary Graphite Products: Applications and Outlook** Restored materials find expanding applications in communication energy storage, small power systems, residential and commercial energy storage, and automotive sectors. Future plans include: 1. Collaborating with major battery producers and automakers internationally to support global markets. 2. Recycling end-of-life batteries. 3. Applying restored LFP and graphite in automotive applications. Recycling is essential for establishing a closed-loop lithium battery industry chain. Shenzhen Xinmao New Energy Technology is dedicated to advancing green recycling technologies. For more updates, follow on LinkedIn: https://www. linkedin. com/company/98924065/admin/dashboard/ and Facebook: https://www. facebook. com/profile. php?id=61572704694550