Upcycling waste graphite from spent LIBs for fabrication of novel mesoporous carbon and p-GN/BT based supercapacitor

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are rapidly gaining popularity around the world, and this trend is certain to continue. As a result of increased use, more end-of-use LIBs are discarded in landfills without recycling. Innovative LIB recycling methods are emerging to solve the simultaneous challenges of increasing waste and the need for environmentally friendly energy storage. Graphite, a fundamental LIB component, has long been underestimated in terms of its potential for upcycling. This study investigates into the potential of recycling graphite sourced from spent LIB as precursor for economical synthesis of P-doped graphene/BaTiO3 (p-GN/BT) and Mesoporous Carbon (MC). These materials are being investigated for their application in the efficient manufacturing of high-performance supercapacitor, showcasing transformative capability of graphite. Waste graphite recovered from LIB recycling is chemically treated to remove impurities and create a porous structure, which is subsequently utilized in forming the supercapacitor components. The supercapacitor has an outstanding specific capacitance of 150 F.g−1 at a current density of 1.0 A. g−1. The power density, measured at 3260 W.kg−1, and the energy density, measured at 83.3 Wh.kg−1, are both substantially higher. Due to its exceptional cyclic stability, it can endure 10,000 charging and discharging cycles with negligible decline in performance. The findings indicate that the upcycling of graphite from retired LIBs may be a viable source for the construction of high-efficiency supercapacitors. This not only offers an eco-friendly energy storage solution, but also promises cost savings and increased profitability in recycling efforts.