Upgrading waste LiMn2O4 cathode for efficient photothermal polyester recycling

Addressing the dual challenges of solid waste pollution and resource scarcity, the upcycling of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) into catalysts for plastic recycling presents a compelling sustainable solution. We come up with an innovative dual-waste co-recycling strategy that simultaneously achieves high-value reutilization of low-cost spent lithium manganese oxide (LMO) cathodes and efficient depolymerization of diverse polyester wastes. Crucially, the lithium-deficient nature of spent LMO drives partial Mn 3+ -to-Mn 4+ conversion within Mn–O octahedral units, which not only reinforces adsorption and activation of polyester molecules, but also heightens. To be more specific, degraded LMO exhibits 17.5-fold higher activity than pristine counterparts in glycolysis. In comparison with conventional methods, techno-economic analysis confirms the strategy’s economic viability, while lifecycle assessment reveals a 98.2% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 98.5% decrease in fossil resource consumption. This work establishes a sustainable pathway for upcycling both LIBs and plastic waste, offering a scalable blueprint for advancing circular economy paradigms.