In order to effectively recover lithium cobaltate (LiCoO₂) from waste lithium-ion batteries(LIBS), a new type of flotation inhibitor was prepared by dissolving catechol and sodium iodate (CA-SP) in sodium acetate buffer solution, which selectively inhibits the flotation of cathode electrode materials. The anode and cathode electrode materials were separated successfully by reverse flotation, and the cathode electrode materials were collected in tailings. The cobalt-rich concentrate can be obtained by flotation, and the concentrate grade and recovery are 90% and 83%, respectively. In this paper, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet spectrum (UV-vis) were used to characterize the adsorption mechanism of Catechol (CA)- sodium iodate (SP) on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), LiCoO₂ and graphite surface. Finally, it is concluded that CA-SP, as an effective cathode material inhibitor, has the advantages of low cost and friendly environment, and has a good application prospect in industrial battery recycling.