We proposed a large-sized graphene preparation method by short-circuit discharge of the lithium graphite primary battery for the first time. LiCX is obtained through lithium ions intercalation into graphite cathode in the above primary battery. Graphene was acquired by chemical reaction between LiCX and stripper agents with dispersion under sonication conditions. The gained graphene is characterized by Raman spectrum, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Atomic force microscope (AFM) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that the as-prepared graphene has a large size and few defects, and it is monolayer or less than three layers. The quality of graphene is significant improved compared to the reported electrochemical methods. The yield of graphene can reach 8.76% when the ratio of the H2O and NMP is 3:7. This method provides a potential solution for the recycling of waste lithium ion batteries. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.