Separation and recovery of valuable metals from spent lithium-ion batteries via concentrated sulfuric acid leaching and regeneration of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2

•Concentrated sulfuric acid is used as separation and leaching agent during recycling of spent LIBs.•Separation of Al foils and complete leaching of Li are achieved simultaneously.•Consumption of H2SO4 is less than that of traditional acid leaching process.•Concentrated sulfuric acid destroys structure of PVDF but prevent Al dissolution.•LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 with excellent electrochemical performance is regenerated.