Thus, interactions during the recycling process are consistent with a typical Lewis-acid and Lewis-base reaction mechanism. At the surface of the oxide, hydroxyl groups are formed, resulting in a negatively charged particle surface that behaves as a Lewis base. Surrounded by them, solvated ions (e.g., Li + , In 3+ , Cl -) originating from Li3InCl6 interact with these locally altered pH conditions. Though the pH of a pure Li3InCl6 solution is approximately 4, meaning that within an acidic solution, localized basic conditions emerge around the particles of the electrode material. The Lewis-acid In 3+ is attracted to the negatively charged particle surface, and the proximity of the In 3+ ion and the elevated pH at the particle surfaces promotes the precipitation of In(OH)3 or other In-OH species on the particle surface .