Critical materials for electrical energy storage: Li-ion batteries

Abstract

Electrical materials such as lithium, cobalt, manganese, graphite and nickel play a major role in energy storage and are essential to the energy transition. This article provides an in-depth assessment at crucial rare earth elements topic, by highlighting them from different viewpoints: extraction, production sources, and applications. Thus, the major economic and geopolitical issues related to these materials are emphasised. Elsewhere, numerous risks and concerns associated with the critical materials value chain are listed, and different strategies attempting to respond to these issues are presented.