METHOD OF RECYCLING MATERIALS FROM LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

A method of recycling lithium-ion battery materials is provided. The method includes isolating a composite electrode that includes an electrode material adhered to a current collector. The composite electrode is combined with an aqueous buffer solution to form a mixture. The electrode material is delaminated from the current collector in the mixture to give a free electrode material and a free current collector. Each of the free electrode material and the free current collector is recovered from the mixture. Combining the composite electrode with the aqueous buffer solution occurs before delaminating the electrode material from the current collector. The step of delaminating optionally may include adding a surfactant to the mixture.