Eutectic synthesis for upcycling of cathode materials

Abstract

A method of upcycling cathode active materials is provided. The method includes mixing two or more precursor materials at ambient temperature to form a first eutectic mixture. The method further includes mixing a cathode active material with the first eutectic mixture to form a second eutectic mixture. The method further includes subjecting the second eutectic mixture to a two-step calcination process. The two-step calcination process includes first calcining the second eutectic mixture at a first temperature for a first period of time to obtain an intermediate material and second, calcining the intermediate material at a second temperature for a second period of time to obtain an upcycled cathode active material. The second temperature is higher than the first temperature, and the upcycled cathode active material has a composition that is different than a composition of the cathode active material. A cathode active material formed by the method is also provided.

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