Battery Industry Research Articles

Globalising innovation through co-inventions–the success case of the Korean lithium-ion battery industry

Radical innovations can shift the global competitiveness of entire nations. While countries typically struggle to absorb knowledge about novel technologies quickly, in which knowledge tends to be spatially sticky, an important exception is the fast catch-up of the Korean Li-ion battery industry from Japan in the early 2000s. In this paper, we conduct an exploratory case study on this surprising success story. Focussing on patent co-inventions between Korea and Japan, we investigate their significance, as well as underlying types of co-inventions and types of transferred knowledge. To this end, we proceed in four steps: (1) a Poisson regression model; (2) social network analyses; (3) patent inventor tracking and (4) patent coding. Our results indicate that Korean–Japanese co-inventions hold significantly greater influence than other cross-country co-inventions, including with patents without cross-country collaboration. We find a pronounced knowledge-transfer intensity during the early 2000s and observe two types of co-inventions: organisation-level and inventor-level. Predominantly, we observe inventor-level co-inventions, i.e. Korean companies hiring experienced Japanese engineers, that proved important to transferring sticky knowledge. Moreover, while most patents target the design of core battery components, the share of manufacturing patents are—contrary to theoretical expectations—highest during the first half of the observation period. We also discuss our findings and draw implications for policy, industrial and academic players, including industry localisation policies, technology-inherent catch-up strategies and directions for future research.

Causality Analysis between ESG Performance and Financing Support

Recent global trends in electric vehicles (EV) triggered Indonesia to participate in battery industry development. Rich in geological resources, the government promotes various capital-intensive industries that process raw mining commodities, particularly limonite nickel ore, to support the EV industry in Indonesia. Inarguably, financial support is needed from various financial institutions and investors. On the contrary, the mining industry is closely related to environmental issues that attract the attention of financial institutions and investors. Therefore, understanding the relationship between “sustainability” and “financing activity” is essential, as it may not only practically guide the business to re-examine their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives but also extend the literature review on these matters. Therefore, this paper aims to describe the system through the Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) formed by ESG factors related to the financing process in mining companies in Indonesia. The research method used in this paper is developing causal loop diagrams from primary data and literature reviews. The CLD is constructed through a literature review and confirmed by an expert from the mining company. The result explains the causal loop between sustainability and financing. Improving ESG performance will increase financial support from global investors and financial institutions. To support practice and concept sustainability in Indonesia, the government should encourage mining companies to increase local partnerships and CSR Allocation as it will support the company's financing activity and trigger community improvement. Creating a supporting environment to attract global investors to finance the mining company in Indonesia is also necessary. Keywords: Causal Loop Diagram, ESG Performance, Financial Performance, Mining Industry, Sustainability JEL : M14, Q01, G32

Surface Reconditioning of Lithium Metal Electrodes by Laser Treatment for the Industrial Production of Enhanced Lithium Metal Batteries

AbstractIncorporating lithium metal anodes in next‐generation batteries promises enhanced energy densities. However, lithium's reactivity results in the formation of a native surface film, affecting battery performance. Therefore, precisely controlling the chemical and morphological surface condition of lithium metal anodes is imperative for producing high‐performance lithium metal batteries. This study demonstrates the efficacy of laser treatment for removing superficial contaminants from lithium metal substrates. To this end, picosecond‐pulsed laser radiation is proposed for modifying the surface of lithium metal substrates. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that different laser process regimes can be exploited to achieve a wide spectrum of surface morphologies. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed substantial reductions of ≈80% in oxidic and carbonaceous surface species. The contamination layer removal translated into interfacial resistance reductions of 35% and 44% when testing laser‐cleaned lithium metal anodes in symmetric all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) with lithium phosphorus sulfur chloride (LPSCl) and lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide (LLZO) solid electrolytes, respectively. Finally, a framework for integrating laser cleaning into industrial battery production is suggested, evidencing the industrial feasibility of the approach. In summary, this work advances the understanding of lithium metal surface treatments and serves as proof of principle for its industrial applicability.

Constructing flame retardant microspheres for safe and stable poly (ethylene oxide) based All-Solid-State batteries at high voltage

The development of all-solid-state polymer electrolytes (ASSPE) based on poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) is facing a series of challenges, such as poor ionic conductivity, low Li+ transference number, flammability, and the limited electrochemical windows of 4 V. Herein, we report our recent effort to meet these challenges by introducing flame retardant microspheres (TH) into PEO-based ASSPE to form stable solid cathode electrolyte interface (CEI) films and enhance safety performance. TH is constructed by reacting tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBA) with hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCP). With the presence of only 5 wt% TH, the LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NCM811)//Li cell achieves a high capacity retention rate of 77.61 % after 100 cycles at the cutoff voltage of 4.3 V and 0.5C, and achieves a capacity retention of 75.7 % at the voltage range of 3–4.5 V after 50 cycles at 0.5C. In addition, the PEO-based ASSPE with TH (TH-PEO/PE) shows excellent flame retardancy, which endows the NCM811//Li pouch cell with good resistance to fire and mechanical abuse. This simple process is compatible with the existing production lines in the battery industry, which exhibits enormous promise in manufacturing commercialized all-solid-state lithium metal batteries (ASSLMBs) with high energy density and safety capabilities.

Varieties of just transitions in the European car industry

ABSTRACT This article examines the responses and strategies developed by business, unions, and governments to the electric turn in the industry in Germany and France, Europe’s main car-producing countries. We concentrate on the role of history and institutions in the determination of adjustment paths. Since institutions reflect specific histories, the electric transition in the industry can take on different forms in different countries. In both countries, governments play a supportive role, leading in France, and following in Germany. The strong works councils in German car companies are reluctant to engage in a rapid transition that would devalue the assets of the workforce and endanger past investments in internal combustion-related technology. Trade unions, in contrast, who organise the workforce in the wider industry, are in favour of a faster transition as it will secure future employment. The French EV industry, in contrast, is now a booming sector, after several decades of deep restructuring with massive employment losses. Its key short-term problem is to train enough workers to staff the rapidly expanding car battery industry. Lacking a deeply rooted training system like the German one, the industry has a relatively free hand in selecting and preparing its future workforce.

Ecological risk assessment of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in agricultural soil, vegetables and fruits with respect to distance gradient in proximity to lead-acid battery industry

Lead-acid battery industries in Bangladesh have proliferated in urban areas, leading to the release of significant amounts of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and metalloids into the environment. This study aimed to assess the spatial distribution, sources, contamination status, and ecological risks in agricultural soils, vegetables, and fruits near these industries. Soil samples were collected from four sites at varying distances (0 m, 100 m, 250 m, and 500 m) around three lead-acid battery industries (AA, AB, and AC) in Dhaka and Gazipur Districts during June-July 2020. The concentrations of the Pb, As, Cd and Zn in agricultural soils were ranged between 8.40–116.61, 8.99–28.21, 0.03–1.28, and 25.38–68.72 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of Pb, As, and Cd were found to be considerably higher than background levels across all industries, with a gradual decrease in PTE concentrations from 0 m to 500 m. The contamination factor indicated high to moderate contamination in agricultural soils by As, Cd, and Pb, and low contamination by Zn. pollution load index, modified contamination degree, and nemerow comprehensive index revealed varying pollution levels in the vicinity of the industries, with AA and AB showing higher pollution compared to AC. The individual risk factors demonstrated significant risks associated with Cd and As exposure, while Pb and Zn posed lower risks. The potential ecological risk index indicated considerable ecological risk for AA (risk index = 192.41), moderate risk for AB (risk index = 111.80), AC (risk index = 65.08), respectively. Correlation and principal component analysis revealed strong positive associations (p < 0.01) among the chemical parameters and potentially toxic elements in soils, and demonstrated the lead-acid battery industry as the primary contamination source in the studied areas. There were strong positive relationships (p < 0.01) existed between As, Cd, and Zn in soils and vegetables; while a strong negative association found between As in soils with As in Fruits. The cluster analysis showed EC, OC, OM, Pb, As and Zn into separate group, implied their same source of origin as anthropogenic source. The metal uptake was in the decreasing order of Cd > Zn > As > Pb and Cd > Zn > Pb > As in vegetable and fruit samples, respectively and transfer factor analysis highlighted Cd and Zn as metals with higher absorption rates in vegetables and fruits. Among the industries, AA and AB were significantly impacted on soil quality, and considerable metal accumulation found on vegetables. The human health risk assessment results indicate a potential noncarcinogenic health hazard for the populations surrounding the industries (AA, AB, and AC). This is evidenced by the calculation of the total target hazard quotient and the hazard index, both of which exceeded the acceptable level (>1). However, the carcinogenic health risks arising from the consumption of potentially toxic elements are within threshold values. This study provides crucial insights into the environmental as well as health impact of lead-acid battery industries, emphasizing the urgency of implementing effective environmental management practices to mitigate their consequences.

Intrinsic Safety Risk Control and Early Warning Methods for Lithium-Ion Power Batteries

Since 2014, the electric vehicle industry in China has flourished and has been accompanied by rapid growth in the power battery industry led by lithium-ion battery (LIB) development. Due to a variety of factors, LIBs have been widely used, but user abuse and battery quality issues have led to explosion accidents that have caused loss of life and property. Current strategies to address battery safety concerns mainly involve enhancing the intrinsic safety of batteries and strengthening safety controls with approaches such as early warning systems to alert users before thermal runaway and ensure user safety. In this paper, we discuss the current research status and trends in two areas, intrinsic battery safety risk control and early warning methods, with the goal of promoting the development of safe LIB solutions in new energy applications.

Production of vanadyl sulfate electrolyte from stone coal acidic leaching solution using mediation solvent extraction-complex reductive stripping method

In this study, a new method for vanadium extraction and separation from acidic stone coal leaching solution was proposed. With the addition of H2O2 in the solution, the positive vanadium VO2+ ion in the solution was converted into anionic di-peroxo vanadium VO(O2)2- ion. Using methyl tri-octyl ammonium chloride (N263) + n-octanol + sulfonated kerosene as extractant, vanadium was fully separated from Fe (III) and other metal impurities during the extraction process. Under the conditions of 10 % N263, 10 % n-octanol, reaction time 10 min, and O/A ratio 1:1, 99 % of vanadium was extracted into the organic phase. After extraction, an organic phase containing V and Mo was obtained. Due to low solubility of V (V) in acidic solution, oxalic acid was mixed with sulfuric acid solution and employed as complex-stripping solution. It was found that oxalate ion formed a complex with V (V), which could break the solubility barrier of V (V) in acidic solution, realizing the direct stripping of V (V). The effect of oxalic acid amount and temperature on the stripping process were investigated, the results showed that increase in oxalic acid amount and reaction temperature favored vanadium stripping. Under conditions of 25 % H2SO4, oxalic acid concentration of 1 g/L, 80 °C temperature, reaction time 50 min, and O/A ratio of 6:1, 99.7 % of vanadium was stripped into the aqueous solution. The vanadyl sulfate product obtained was compared with standard vanadium electrolyte, and it was found that vanadyl sulfate obtained by this method meets the requirements of vanadium electrolyte relevant standards. This paper proposed a new process for high purity vanadyl sulfate production from acidic stone coal leaching solution, which could provide a reference for Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VRFB) industry.

Archaea-Inspired Switchable Nanochannels for On-Demand Lithium Detection by pH Activation.

With the rapid development of the lithium ion battery industry, emerging lithium (Li) enrichment in nature has attracted ever-growing attention due to the biotoxicity of high Li levels. To date, fast lithium ion (Li+) detection remains urgent but is limited by the selectivity, sensitivity, and stability of conventional technologies based on passive response processes. In nature, archaeal plasma membrane ion exchangers (NCLX_Mj) exhibit Li+-gated multi/monovalent ion transport behavior, activated by different stimuli. Inspired by NCLX_Mj, we design a pH-controlled biomimetic Li+-responsive solid-state nanochannel system for on-demand Li+ detection using 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole (HPBO) units as Li+ recognition groups. Pristine HPBO is not reactive to Li+, whereas negatively charged HPBO enables specific Li+ coordination under alkaline conditions to decrease the ion exchange capacity of nanochannels. On-demand Li+ detection is achieved by monitoring the decline in currents, thereby ensuring precise and stable Li+ recognition (>0.1 mM) in the toxic range of Li+ concentration (>1.5 mM) for human beings. This work provides a new approach to constructing Li+ detection nanodevices and has potential for applications of Li-related industries and medical services.

Optimization of lithium adsorption from seawater via aluminum chloride as adsorbent using response surface methodology

ABSTRACT Lithium extraction from natural resources is an accelerating field of research owing to its growing demand in the medical, nuclear, battery, and air conditioning industries. Lithium compounds are used in various industries, including ceramics, glass, lubricant gases, rocket propellant, and aluminum production. The extraction of lithium from seawater via adsorption using AlCl3.6 H2O as an adsorbent is investigated in this study. The effect of process parameters such as pH, temperature, contact time, the molar ratio ([Al3+]/[Li+]), and stirring rate on process efficiency is investigated and optimized. The response surface methodology (RSM) is used to investigate the effects of operating parameters and choose the optimal configuration. A standard synthetic solution containing 50 ppm lithium is prepared and experimented with facilitating comprehension of the procedure. The adsorption efficiency of a synthetic solution is 88% at optimized values, while that of seawater is 78.5%. Seawater has a lower efficiency because it contains ions such as Mg2+, Ca2+, K+, and Na+ that compete for active points/sites during adsorption with lithium ions (Li+).

Subtractive transformation of cathode materials in spent Li-ion batteries to a low-cobalt 5 V-class cathode material.

Adding extra raw materials for direct recycling or upcycling is prospective for battery recycling, but overlooks subtracting specific components beforehand can facilitate the recycling to a self-sufficient mode of sustainable production. Here, a subtractive transformation strategy of degraded LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 and LiMn2O4 to a 5 V-class disordered spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4-like cathode material is proposed. Equal amounts of Co and Ni from degraded materials are selectively extracted, and the remaining transition metals are directly converted into Ni0.4Co0.1Mn1.5(CO3)2 precursor for preparing cathode material with in-situ Co doping. The cathode material with improved conductivity and bond strength delivers high-rate (10 C and 20 C) and high-temperature (60 °C) cycling stability. This strategy with no extra precursor input can be generalized to practical degraded black mass and reduces the dependence of current cathode production on rare elements, showing the potential of upcycling from the spent to a next-generation 5 V-class cathode material for the sustainable Li-ion battery industry.

Liberal and illiberal industrial policy in the EU: the political economy of building the EV battery value chain in Sweden and Hungary

In the context of an increasingly ambitious European Union (EU) industrial policy and the transition to electromobility, the main objective of the article is to uncover the interaction between the supranational level and domestic policies through examining the buildup of the electric vehicle (EV) battery value chain in illiberal Hungary and liberal Sweden. The study analyses these diverse cases through the lenses of comparative political economy. How do European industrial policy objectives translate into national policies under widely different political conditions? How do the different translations impact on the original objectives of EU policy? Through using a structured-focused comparison, the paper argues that the building of the EV battery industry implies the entrenchment of existing models of capitalism in both cases. Liberal democracy is only compatible with the coordinated market economy model of Sweden, while in Hungary the illiberal regime and the dependent market economy model reinforce one another in face of growing public recognition of the disadvantages of dependency—misallocation of resources, environmental damage, and limits to upgrading. EU strategic objectives are served only by the Swedish model, while the Hungarian model leads to deepening institutional cleavages within the EU and implies growing dependence on Russia and China.

A Comprehensive Review of Lithium-Ion Battery (LiB) Recycling Technologies and Industrial Market Trend Insights

Adopting EVs has been widely recognized as an efficient way to alleviate future climate change. Nonetheless, the large number of spent LiBs associated with EVs is becoming a huge concern from both environmental and energy perspectives. This review summarizes the three most popular LiB recycling technologies, the current LiB recycling market trend, and global recycling magnates’ industrial dynamics regarding this subject. We mainly focus on reviewing hydrometallurgical and direct recycling technologies to discuss the advancement of those recycling technologies and their future commercialization pathway.

An analysis of China’s power battery industry policy for new energy vehicles from a product life cycle perspective

An analysis of China’s power battery industry policy for new energy vehicles from a product life cycle perspective

Adsorption performance of bentonite and clay for Zn(II) in landfill leachate

BackgroundThe increasing prevalence of the Galvanized and dry battery industries has led to a rise in zinc proportions in landfills, posing environmental risks. This study explores the potential of bentonite, renowned for its metal adsorption capability, as a landfill barrier material.MethodsAdsorption characteristics of Zn(II) in natural bentonite and Shanghai clay were investigated. Various factors affecting Zn(II) adsorption, including pH, Na ion strength, contact time, initial Zn(II) concentration, and adsorption temperature, were analyzed through batch-type adsorption tests.ResultsThe change in pH and Na strength demonstrates no significant impact on the adsorption of Zn(II) onto bentonite, highlighting the strong selectivity of bentonite for Zn(II). Conversely, the equilibrium adsorption capacity of Zn(II) onto clay increases with rising pH or decreasing ion strength. The Zn(II) adsorption onto bentonite is well-described by the pseudo-second-order, intra-particle diffusion, and Elovih models, each achieving an R2 value exceeding 0.9. While both physical and chemical adsorption coexist in Zn(II) adsorption onto bentonite or clay, the primary determinant of the adsorption rate is chemical adsorption. The adsorption onto bentonite is spontaneous, whereas onto clay it is not. The mechanism involves van der Waals forces, ion exchange, and chemical actions such as inner-sphere complexation for Zn(II) adsorption onto both bentonite and clay.

Microstructure engineering in sulfuretted coal tar pitch by varying the Cross-Link state for enhanced sodium storage

Sulfur (S) is an efficient dopant to enhance the sodium storage of carbon, yet the conventional in-situ/post treatments cause unstable S configuration or lower S content, and hence unsatisfied electrochemical performance. Herein, we investigate sulfurization at various cross-link state of coal tar pitch (CTP) (pristine, coke, and carbonized states), and the microstructure of the products (SCTP). Experimental and calculational results reveal that introducing S in the coke state of CTP is essential for achieving abundant and stable C-Sx-C bonds between carbon layers. Moreover, this innovative strategy not only achieves a high S content, but also avoids the liquid carbonization, resulting in a hierarchically porous structure with a small particle size. As a result, the SCTP delivers a sodium storage capacity of 318 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 200th cycle, and the capacity maintains 207 mA h g−1 with capacity retention of 99 % after 1000th cycle at 2.0 A g−1, in half-cells. Moreover, the sample shows a considerable discharge capacity of 328 mA h g-1anode at 0.05 A g−1 in full-cells. Consequently, this approach offers a novel pathway for large-scale production of thermoplastic-derived carbons in battery industry.

Enterprise Value Assessment Based on Real Option Approach: The Case of SEMCORP

As the core power source of new energy vehicles, the lithium battery industry has ushered in a high-speed development, and has become the most widely used battery technology system. Due to the industry's high technical barriers, imperfect system, high volatility risk and other characteristics of the lithium battery enterprise value the overall assessment of the difficulty of ordinary investors to make a more accurate judgment. As an important representative of the lithium new energy materials industry, SEMCORP is in a golden development period. Based on the research results of previous researchers on enterprise value assessment, this paper examines the value assessment of n SEMCORP. Specifically, this paper applies a two-stage growth model to calculate the present value and evaluates the potential value separately with the help of an option pricing model to obtain its overall value. After analyzing, conclude that SEMCORP 's shares are overvalued. This paper can provide decision-making references for the investment and financing of Chinese lithium new energy materials enterprises, as well as further enriching the application of enterprise value assessment methods.

A Brief Analysis of SVOLT's Current Development and Challenges

SVOLT is committed to the research and production of new energy vehicle power batteries. It is an emerging enterprise in the power battery industry. The company also engages in battery and energy storage businesses. With a strategic perspective of global deployment, SVOLT has achieved remarkable growth. This article provides an analysis of SVOLT's development overview and examines the achievements and challenges the company faces in terms of its business areas, financial situation, and strategic layout using case studies and data charts. The research shows that SVOLT has experienced substantial losses for three consecutive years, making it difficult to gain a foothold in the highly competitive market. This situation is related to issues such as the company's low product gross margin, low-capacity utilization, and high management costs. It is also a predicament that arises from intense market competition. Additionally, the company's strategy of large-scale capacity expansion has brought about certain negative consequences. Therefore, SVOLT should consider adjusting its marketing approach, focusing on profit and loss conditions, reducing capacity expansion appropriately, and controlling production costs. The aim is to promptly reverse the trend of continuous losses, achieve sustainable development, gain industry recognition, and challenge leading companies in the field.

High-Selectivity Recycling of Valuable Metals from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Recyclable Deep Eutectic Solvents.

The recovery of valuable metals from spent lithium-ion batteries using deep eutectic solvents (DESs) is an environmentally and economically beneficial process. In this study, a method has been developed for recovering LiNi0.33Co0.33Mn0.33O2. Our process operates under mild conditions and with a little oxalic acid as a reducing agent, dissolving lithium, cobalt, manganese, and nickel completely utilizing a DES that is composed of tetrabutylammonium chloride and of monochloroacetic acid. Lithium and nickel were selectively precipitated using oxalic acid. Cobalt and manganese were precipitated as oxalates by adding an oxalic acid aqueous solution. Finally, the DES can be regenerated by evaporating the water. Importantly, valuable metals can be recovered with a 100 % yield through the process of DES recycling. This environmentally friendly and recyclable process is suitable for the recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries industry.

Együttműködések szükségessége a gyógyszeripari, biotechnológiai fejlesztési folyamatokban az Észak-alföldi régióban

One of the leading sectors of the Hungarian Northern Great Plain region - a high capital-intensive, long-return, "high risk - high benefit" industry such as red biotechnology – was examined to see what impact its development might have and what expectations the various cooperation opportunities set for the value chain at different points. It can be stated that the industry has serious, decades-long roots in the region. At the same time, following the spiral of the "biotech industry" also comes with new challenges, and a modern, innovative university background is essential for the expansion of the sector and its establishment at all. In the 2020s, new competitors arrived, such as the vehicle and battery industries, which are also high value-added and innovation-intensive industries. In all these areas, industry clusters have been formed, with universities of the region as intellectual hubs. Along these lines, the innovation mechanisms and collaborations of the respective disciplines (biotechnology in this publication) have been renewed, modernised and strengthened, which is also important for managing risks.