For pristine LCO, the Co 2p3/2 spectrum displays a peak at 780.0 eV, corresponding to a mixed Co 3+ /Co 2+ oxidation state (Figure ), attributed to Co3O4 precursor materials . In the recycled sample, no peak shift is observed. However, peak broadening suggests the reduction of Co 3+ to Co 2+ , potentially due to Co(OH)2 formation on the surface. This is further supported by the broadening observed in the O 1s spectrum (Figure and). Additionally, the Li 1s spectrum (Figure ) shows a peak shift from 54.5 eV in the pristine sample, indicative of surface LiOH, Li2O, and Li2CO3, to 56.1 eV in the recycled sample, consistent with LiCl formation due to surface modification.