Depleted LiCoO2 cathode material in spent lithium ion rechargeable batteries was recovered and renovated in a single synthetic step using Etoile-Rebatt technology. The structural and compositional purities of the recovered and renovated LiCoO2 were confirmed by elemental analyses, X-ray diffraction pattern analyses, and Raman spectroscopy. In spite of the simple and economical recycling, the recovered and renovated LiCoO2 exhibits a prospective electrochemical activity; an initial discharge capacity of 134.8 mAh g(-1) and the discharge capacity retention of 95.9% after 50 cycles. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.