Researchers develop method for reviving dead lithium batteries to near 100% capacity

Cornell University researchers have developed a battery restoration process called DEER (Direct Electrode-to-Electrode Regeneration) that revives worn lithium-ion batteries without shredding or complex disassembly. By dissolving the buildup that causes batteries to lose capacity, the method restored up to 95% of original capacity in tests. It could cut recycled cell manufacturing costs by 56% while reducing pollution and water use compared to conventional recycling.