| Abstract Scope |
High-value reuse of graphite recovered from spent LIBs is limited by residual binders/electrolyte species and defect-rich surfaces that depress initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and shorten cycle life. We present an eco-friendly reactivation route that couples biomass-oil–derived carbon-shell engineering with low-temperature processing and hybrid photonic/Joule heating to restore and upgrade recovered graphite (r-Gr). The workflow comprises solvent-free, low-temperature de-oiling/de-salting with surface functionality control; capillary infiltration of bio-oils followed by mild pyrolysis to form ultrathin turbostratic shells that stabilize the SEI; and benchmarking against commercial natural/synthetic graphite, uncoated r-Gr, and thermally treated r-Gr. Structure–property links are probed by XRD, Raman, BET, XPS, TEM, and EIS. Li half-cell tests assess ICE, rate capability (0.1–5 C), ≥200-cycle durability, and low-temperature behavior. Preliminary results show suppressed irreversible Li loss and reduced interfacial resistance. This scalable, solvent-free pathway improves both performance and sustainability for direct r-Gr reuse. |