Method for recycling a solid electrolyte and cathode material from solid-state lithium batteries

A method for recycling a cathode material and a solid electrolyte from a solid-state lithium battery, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) separating the solid-state lithium battery into a solid mixture, wherein the mixture comprises lithium anode, cathode material and solid electrolyte components;
• b) mixing the solid mixture with an aprotic solvent to form a solution of the solid electrolyte in the aprotic solvent and insoluble constituents comprising lithium anode and cathode material;
• c) separating the solution of the solid electrolyte from the insoluble constituents;
• d) contacting the insoluble constituents with a protic solvent to form a solution of lithium salts of the general formula LiX in the protic solvent and undissolved cathode material, wherein X is an alkoxide or a hydroxide ion, the lithium anode reacts with the protic solvent to form hydrogen and lithium salts LiX, and the lithium salts LiX dissolves in the protic solvent;
• e) separating the solution of lithium salts LiX from the undissolved cathode material;
• and
• f) calcining the separated cathode material with the addition of a lithium compound.