Abstract: Driven by the Dual Carbon Goals, the efficient, low-carbon, and high-value recycling of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries has become a critical link in establishing a green closed-loop for the new energy industry chain. However, current recycling processes still face three core bottlenecks: low lithium selectivity, high acid/alkali consumption, and difficult-to-utilize residues, which constrain their large-scale and green development. To address these challenges, the research community has adopted a multi-path collaborative approach, yielding a series of emerging recycling methods and direct regeneration techniques. For cathode material recovery, the deep eutectic solvents—a green, mild metallurgical technique—effectively replaces traditional strong acids, significantly reducing secondary pollution. CO₂-targeted lithium extraction technology achieves highly selective lithium recovery by constructing carbonization systems, offering novel solutions to low recovery rates; Molten salt roasting leverages the unique properties of molten salt media to convert cathode materials at relatively low temperatures, combining low energy consumption with high metal recovery rates; The carbon thermal reduction method, using pulverized coal or biomass as reducing agents, reduces the process carbon footprint while achieving reduction of valuable metals; the emerging contact-electro-catalytic technology, through redox reactions induced by the electrostatic effect of liquid-solid contact, opens up a new technical pathway for deep and efficient metal recovery. Regarding direct recycling of cathode materials, repair and regeneration technologies restore electrochemical performance by chemically relithiuming and structurally reconstructing spent cathodes, offering economically promising solutions for closed-loop recycling and high-value utilization of battery materials. These approaches demonstrate significant potential in enhancing metal recovery rates, product purity, and green process efficiency, driving battery recycling technology toward environmentally friendly and economically viable solutions. This paper systematically reviews conventional recycling technologies—including pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy—alongside direct regeneration techniques. It focuses on recent advancements in emerging recycling and direct regeneration methods, such as deep eutectic solvents, CO₂-targeted lithium extraction, molten salt roasting, carbon thermal reduction, contact-electro-catalysis, and repair and regeneration. By analyzing the advantages, limitations, and research trajectories of various technologies, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive technical perspective for the resource utilization of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, particularly cathode materials. It also outlines future development trends and challenges, seeking to offer insights for advancing technological innovation and industrial upgrading in this field.