Battery Industry Research Articles

Proposal of a Correlation Model Integrating FDRM and CLSCM Practices and Performance Measures: A Case Study from the Automotive Battery Industry in Brazil

The field of closed-loop supply chain management (CLSCM) seeks to replace the linear flow of materials and energy with a cyclical model in which the outputs of the production system become inputs to the same system, thus closing the cycle of materials and energy within the supply chain. Current literature on CLSCM reports a wide variety of practices, and combining these practices with environmental performance measures is an ongoing challenge, mainly because results from these practices are often diffuse and linking them with performance results is not a straightforward task. This paper addresses this problem by proposing a model to prioritize CLSCM practices and performance measures. The correlation model integrating the fuzzy direct rating method (FDRM) and CLSCM practices and performance measures was tested in a real company that is part of a closed-loop supply chain that recycles lead obtained from automotive batteries in Brazil. The results allowed the identification of which management practices are more relevant to the organization by correlating their impact with performance measures. The most relevant practices for the company under study were demand forecasting, with 21.68% of relative importance, followed by reverse logistics practices (21.15%) and production planning and control (18.16%). Another relevant finding is that upstream performance measures account for 77.72% of the company’s CLSCM performance.

Trump could be a mixed bag for the US battery industry

Trump could be a mixed bag for the US battery industry

Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF)-Trimethylaluminum (TMA) Chemistry: First-Principles Investigation and Experimental Insights.

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a popular method of coating battery electrodes with metal oxides for improved cycling stability. While significant research has focused on the interaction between the reactive metal alkyl precursor and the electrode materials, little is known about the reactivity of the precursor toward other components of the battery electrode, such as the polymer binder. This study presents a combined computational and experimental investigation of the reaction between the popular polyvinylidene (PVDF) binder and the trimethylaluminum (TMA) precursor commonly used for coating Al2O3 by ALD. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to interrogate the reactivity of PVDF toward TMA and to characterize the reaction products. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations identified an exothermic reaction of TMA with PVDF, yielding methane (CH4), dimethyl aluminum fluoride, and nonsaturated carbons at the reaction site in the PVDF backbone, which is well aligned with XPS results. The newfound chemistry involving TMA and PVDF reveals that PVDF undergoes side reactions in ALD, contradicting the previous belief that PVDF is chemically inert as a battery binder. This discovery prompts a reassessment of PVDF's application scenarios in the battery industry.

Recovery of graphite from industrial lithium-ion battery black mass

A streamlined workflow is established for the recovery of graphite from industrial lithium-ion battery black mass, which could be seamlessly integrated into the existing cathode materials recycling processes developed in the industry.

Indented metallic bipolar plates for vanadium redox flow batteries

The standard industrial vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) stack is made of thick graphite bipolar plates to support the flow field required for optimal circulation of electrolyte. These thick plates suffer from electrolyte seepage, poor mechanical properties, and high machining and processing costs. In the present study, we report on the use of metallic bipolar plates for the construction of the VRFB cell. We show, through comprehensive electrochemical and hydrodynamic investigations, that Hastelloy C276, a corrosion-resistant high Nickel alloy, is a suitable bipolar plate material in VRFB cells. We show further that surface texture modification, in the form of a mix of concave and convex spherical indentations on the metallic bipolar plate, can have beneficial effects on cell performance. Comparative experiments on medium-size cells of a nominal area of 440 cm2 operating in the current density range of 75–125 mA/cm2 show that discharge energy gains of 25% or higher can be obtained together with a 10–15% reduction in pressure drop in comparison with similar cells with flat bipolar plates. It is posited that the concave indentations spread over the entire area ensure uniform electrolyte circulation while regions of low and high electrode compression create flow channeling possibilities that lead to reduced pressure drop.

Removal of lithium from aqueous solutions by precipitation with sodium and choline alkanoate soaps.

In order to comply with the expected tightening of discharge limits for lithium to surface waters, the lithium-ion battery industry will need access to methods to reduce the concentration of lithium in wastewater down to ppm levels. In this Communication, we discuss the possibility of using sodium and choline soaps as precipitating agents for lithium, comparing the two soap classes and probing the influence of the carbon chain length. It was found that lithium concentrations down to 10 ppm can be reached with sodium stearate, and down to 1 ppm with choline stearate, using a slight excess of the precipitating agent. However, in solutions containing sodium salts, sodium interferes with lithium removal, such that the equilibrium lithium concentration is proportional to the concentration of sodium in the feed. After precipitation, lithium could be recovered from the precipitate by dissolution in an ethanolic hydrogen chloride solution.

Advances in Recycling Technologies of Critical Metals and Resources from Cathodes and Anodes in Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries

With the rapid economic development and the continuous growth in the demand for new energy vehicles and energy storage systems, a significant number of waste lithium-ion batteries are expected to enter the market in the future. Effectively managing the processing and recycling of these batteries to minimize environmental pollution is a major challenge currently facing the lithium-ion battery industry. This paper analyzes and compares the recycling strategies for different components of lithium-ion batteries, providing a summary of the main types of batteries, existing technologies at various pre-treatment stages, and recycling techniques for valuable resources such as heavy metals and graphite. Currently, pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy processes have matured; however, their high energy consumption and pollution levels conflict with the principles of the current green economy. As a result, innovative technologies have emerged, aiming to reduce energy consumption while achieving high recovery rates and minimizing the environmental impact. Nevertheless, most of these technologies are currently limited to the laboratory scale and are not yet suitable for large-scale application.

A Mini-Review on Lead Ion Removal Using Polymeric Nanocomposite Membranes from Aqueous Solutions

The rapidly increasing global population and industrialisation are the main causes of the problem of water contamination. Issues with heavy metals are the main cause of this contamination. At least 20 metals are considered toxic and one of the most toxic is lead (Pb). Even though lead is being used in various industries, 86% of lead is remarkably used in battery industries, contributing to lead pollution. Water is utilised extensively during the battery-making process, particularly for washing battery parts for recycling. Hence, the process water becomes heavily contaminated, majorly with Pb compounds. Accordingly, treating Pb-containing effluent is mandatory for humanity and industrial survival. The conventional purification techniques were not sophisticated and resulted in waste and complex effluents harmful to the environment, demanding more advanced purification systems. A non-destructive separation, known as membrane separation, is a well-established technique for treating wastewater containing heavy metal ions and producing high-quality treated effluent. Polymeric membranes are of primary interest, as they can be easily modified and compatible with different materials like polymers and nanoadditives to improve membrane performance. The performance is primarily evaluated based on porosity, hydrophilicity, permeability, rejection capacity and anti-fouling nature. This study compiles research on polymer nanocomposite membranes for lead removal from the last five years.

Application of metal oxide-based materials for improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries

With the continuous development of electric vehicles, battery technology has also been developed rapidly. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with a variety of advantages become the primary choice of the current battery industry. The global demand for lithium element also shows a rapidly rising trend, however, the global supply of lithium is in a relatively urgent stage. By improving the service life and efficiency of LIBs has become a hot research topic. One of the research directions is to improve the performance of battery by improving the structure of electrode materials, and metal oxide materials have become an important part of improving the performance of electrode materials by virtue of their low cost, high structural stability, high service life and high energy density. This research will introduce manganese-based oxide cathode materials, chromium oxide cathode materials, nanostructured copper oxide anode materials, and carbon/metal oxide composite anode materials. These four types of materials can improve the service life and electrochemical performance of LIBs by improving the structural stability of the materials and increasing the flow rate of lithium ions at the electrode.

The Impact of Public Policy on the Lithium Battery Industry- Taking the United States as an Example

Lithium battery plays a notable role in global manufacturing. As the demand for clean energy increases worldwide, the lithium battery industry is expanding rapidly. The United States, which stands at a leading status, aims to strengthen its competitive position. Policies support the development of technological innovation and enhanced domestic production capabilities. The objective of this research is to analyze the impact of public policies in the United States on local lithium battery production. The tariff policy, tax policy, research and development, and subsidy policies will be discussed separately in the following sections. This study includes a review of academic literature, industry reports, and policy papers. By analyzing the impact, this paper draws the following conclusions. Firstly, the local policies strengthen domestic manufacturing and supply chain resilience to enhance the international position. Secondly, the market in the US encourages the consumption of electric vehicles, which fosters the demand for lithium batteries. To further enhance the global competitiveness of the United States in the lithium battery industry, the US government should continue to contribute to the current status.

An Innovative Polydopamine/Polyvinyl Alcohol Binder System for High‐Performance Micro‐Sized Silicon Anodes

Micro‐sized silicon (Si) is expected to be widely used in the future lithium‐ion battery industry due to its abundant resources, low price, and high energy density. However, the rapid capacity degradation resulting from its significant volume expansion remains a critical challenge. Herein, an innovative binder system for micro‐sized Si anodes is presented. Utilizing a high‐energy ball milling reaction, Si particles are coated with a thin polydopamine (PDA) layer, forming Si@PDA particles. Subsequently, a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) binder is incorporated to form the Si@PDA/PVA binder system. The numerous hydroxyl groups in PDA form hydrogen bonds with PVA binder, establishing robust interactions among electrode components, thereby stabilizing the overall structure of the Si anode and maintaining the integrity of its electrical contacts. As a result, the obtained Si@PDA/PVA anode exhibits a high specific capacity of 1215 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C after 100 cycles. In addition, the rate performance test demonstrates that it delivers a high capacity of over 800 mAh g−1 at 3 C. This approach provides a promising strategy for the overall design of micro‐sized Si electrodes, offering enhanced cyclic performance and durability.

A Study on the Battery Recycling Process and Risk Estimation.

The demand for the use of secondary batteries is increasing rapidly worldwide in order to solve global warming and achieve carbon neutrality. Major minerals used to produce cathode materials, which are key raw materials for secondary batteries, are treated as conflict minerals due to their limited reserves, and accordingly, research on the battery recycling industry is urgent for the sustainable secondary battery industry. There is a significant risk of accidents because there is a lack of prior research data on the battery recycling process and various chemicals are used in the entire recycling process. Therefore, for the safety management of related industries, it is necessary to clearly grasp the battery recycling process and to estimate the risk accordingly. In this study, the process was generalized using the information on the battery recycling process suggested in the preceding literature. And to estimate the relative risk of each battery recycling process, the RAC (Risk Assessment Code) matrix described in the US Department of Defense's "MIL-STD-882E" was used. Severity was derived by using "NFPA 704", and probability was derived by combining generalized event analysis for each process and the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) report. The results confirmed that the process using H2SO4 had the highest risk when extracting Li during the leaching process, and that dismantling and heat treatment had the lowest risk. Using the probability factor for each process calculated through the research, it is expected to be used in future battery recycling process research as basic data for quantitative risk assessment of the battery recycling process.

What type of emerging green path is the Nordic battery industry on: importation or new creation?

ABSTRACT The battery industry is an emerging green path; nonetheless, ascertaining the variety of emergence, i.e. whether the industry is a new creation or an imported path, requires more insight. This paper relies on Grillitsch and Asheim's typologies of green paths, particularly leveraging the features of path emergence, e.g. non-local firms, un-relatedness, newness, and resources, as a guide for explaining where the industry belongs. By adopting the Nordic battery industry as the empirical context, the paper suggests that the industry combines the features of both varieties based on unique regional conditions. Hence, the path import-creation concept is proposed to describe emerging green industries that exhibit both features. Actors at multilevel can leverage the study to enhance their understanding of the variety of green paths being pursued in the region. Also, the study advances the literature on regional industrial restructuring via new insight for situating the industry within the existing path typologies.

PFAS-Free Energy Storage: Investigating Alternatives for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

The class-wide restriction proposal on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the European Union is expected to affect a wide range of commercial sectors, including the lithium-ion battery (LIB) industry, where both polymeric and low molecular weight PFAS are used. The PFAS restriction dossiers currently state that there is weak evidence for viable alternatives to the use of PFAS in LIBs. In this Perspective, we summarize both the peer-reviewed literature and expert opinions from academia and industry to verify the legitimacy of the claims surrounding the lack of alternatives. Our assessment is limited to the electrodes and electrolyte, which account for the most critical uses of PFAS in LIB cells. Companies that already offer or are developing PFAS-free electrode and electrolyte materials were identified. There are also indications that PFAS-free electrolytes are in development by at least one other company, but there is no information regarding the alternative chemistries being proposed. Our review suggests that it is technically feasible to make PFAS-free batteries for battery applications, but PFAS-free solutions are not currently well-established on the market. Successful substitution of PFAS will require an appropriate balance among battery performance, the environmental effects associated with hazardous materials and chemicals, and economic considerations.

Anode interface-stabilizing dry process employing a binary binder system for ultra-thick and durable battery electrode fabrication

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-based dry process has gained attention in the battery industry owing to their sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and ability to fabricate high loading electrodes. However, the electrochemical instability of PTFE in anodic environments causes significant capacity loss, hindering the development of high-performance dry-processed anodes. In this study, a binary binder system of PTFE and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is proposed to prevent direct contact between graphite and PTFE, mitigating unwanted interphase evolution. This strategy improves the mechanical integrity of the electrode. It maintains the binding force between the active materials and PTFE binders. PVP also forms a robust inorganic-rich SEI, enhancing Li-ion kinetics and interfacial stability. Consequently, dry-processed graphite with PVP achieved ultra-high loading anodes (∼10 mAh cm−2) with excellent cycle stability over 200 cycles in full cells coupled with LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathodes. This paper presents a cost-effective, high-loading electrode fabrication process and an eco-friendly approach for large-scale electrification.

A predictive model for the security and stability of the lithium-ion battery industry chain based on price modal combinations

Prices act as crucial market signals within industrial chains, and the smooth transmission of prices has significantly impacts on the safety and stability of the entire chain. This paper considers the lithium-ion battery industry chain as a complex system and uses prices as modal signals to construct an FEEMD-NAR-HMM industrial chain safety and stability prediction model. The research findings are as follows: (1) The lithium-ion industry chain exhibits a typical "price-stability" dissipative structure, where the consistency of price fluctuations within the industry chain has a significant impact on its overall safety and stability. (2) When products at different stages of the lithium-ion industry chain experience simultaneous price increases or decreases, the safety and stability of the industry chain are at a high level. When the transmission smoothness of price fluctuations across different stages of the lithium-ion industry chain is low, the safety and stability of the industry chain are at a low level. (3) In the near future, the lithium-ion industry chain will continue to exposed to volatility risks. The government should implement macroeconomic control measures to stabilize the lithium-ion market and increase research investment in lithium resource recycling to prevent a crisis of lithium resource shortages.

THE IMPACT OF INTELLIGENT CONTROL CHARGERS ON THE DURABILITY AND PERFORMANCE OF INDUSTRIAL BATTERIES

The introduction of intelligent chargers into the industry is aimed at improving the durability and performance of batteries. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the impact of adaptive and intelligent charging technologies on the performance of industrial batteries. The study used simulation models and field test analysis. The results showed that intelligent memory devices that regulate charging depending on the condition and temperature of the batteries reduce the risk of overheating and extend battery life by 25-40%. Optimizing the charging process improves the efficiency of the equipment, reducing operating costs. The findings of the study confirm that the use of intelligent charging systems contributes to the sustainable and cost-effective operation of batteries, ensuring the fulfillment of set goals and objectives.

The knowledge contributions from science to technology on lithium-ion batteries from the industry chain view

The lithium-ion industry chain comprises multiple links such as battery components, battery (pack) and management, and recycling. Each link has its features, and they are interlinked. Industry chain development cannot be separated from the mutual promotion of all links in the industry chain. The scientific and technological innovation of the lithium-ion battery chain is widely studied because it is considered one of the most promising energy storage systems. Moreover, scientific development is widely considered to promote technological innovation, and the contribution of knowledge from science to technology is studied by analyzing citations from patents to papers. However, there are two research gaps. First, there is little research on the contributions of science and technology in the lithium-ion battery field. The second gap is the lack of an industrial chain view in the study of science–technology linkages. Therefore, this study proposed a framework to reveal the knowledge contributions from science to technology from the industry chain view and applied it to the lithium-ion battery industry. The findings are summarized as follows: (1) A total of 130 topics were mined, summarized, and classified from the industry view. The electrode, battery management and electrolyte are relatively complex and are more discussed, especially regarding the electrode. (2) Knowledge contributions from science to technology have concentrated on the electrolyte, electrode and battery management. The knowledge contributions from paper topics on the electrode to patent topics on the electrode are the strongest. Patent inventors who focus on these three elements should refer to science on this element and science on the other two elements. Besides, policy- makers could promulgate promotion policies to stimulate the scientific development of these three elements, especially for the electrode. (3) Garnet-type ceramic sintering was the topic that had the greatest contributions in 2017 and 2018, and the patent topic to which it contributed as the most was “garnet-type ceramic sintering. Silicon has a consistently high degree of knowledge interaction between science and technology. These findings could serve as a reference for policy-makers when making incentive policies and scholars when selecting research content.

Data-driven macro-scale simulation for rapid electrolyte wetting in lithium-ion batteries

The electrolyte wetting process in lithium-ion battery manufacturing is a critical part of processes that affects battery performance and productivity. However, it is difficult to accurately measure and optimise this process with existing technologies. In this study, a three-dimensional macroscopic filling and wetting simulation model based on actual battery material parameters is constructed, which can simulate the wetting process of electrolyte in porous electrodes and separators. The model is employed to analyse effects of filling pressure pattern, boundary conditions and other process parameters on the wetting rate. The results demonstrate that the use of multilateral cyclic pressure filling can optimise the electrolyte wetting, which is in accordance with industry practice. Consequently, the study proceeds to investigate potential process optimisation strategies, including electrolyte selection and ambient temperature. These findings not only address limitations of traditional models, which employ simplified parameters, but also present a novel approach to enhance manufacturing efficiency and reduce cost of lithium batteries. This is of paramount importance for the sustainable development of lithium-ion battery industry.

Advancements in Flow Batteries for Long Duration Energy Storage

The full decarbonization of electric grids, as planned by the European Union and other Administrations for 2050, calls for energy storage (ES) systems capable of discharging at full power over periods longer than 4-5 hours, which is the typical duration of internal storage batteries such as Li-ion and Sa-X. Such long discharge periods are already in the capability of some energy storage technologies, notably pumped-hydro (PH) ES, which was introduced at the beginning of the 20th century and today accounts worldwide for 165 GW of power capacity and 1.6 TWh of energy storage, corresponding to 96% and 99% of the global storage figures, respectively. However, a major increase in ES demand is expected in the coming decades heading to 1.25 TW and 5 TWh by 2050, which cannot be covered by PH, due to geomorphological, environmental, and technical constraints. While conventional batteries (e.g. Li-ion, Na-ion) will continue to expand to face the growing demand for fast energy storage, the increasing request for Long Duration Energy Storage will rely on other technologies and Flow Batteries are emerging as strong candidates for taking over an important share.They are presently investigated and developed in over 50 different chemistries which range from low-medium to high Technological Readiness Level (TRL). The former include still technologically immature systems typically studied at laboratory level in small single cells (1–101 W) for characterizing materials, not systems. Research is focused on some chemistries based on non-critical materials, among which: Copper-Copper, Polysulfide-Bromine, Iron-Chromium, Zinc-Cerium, Organic compounds: Quinone, Viologen, TEMPO, Polymers of various nature, and Lithium-ion flow and some larger pilot systems have been made (102 kW) but related data is often classified or not accessible. The high TRL types are often already produced and marketed, even in very large sizes (10 kW–102 MW and 10 kWh–102 MWh) using chemistries such as: Vanadium-Vanadium, Zinc-Bromine, Iron-Iron, Hydrogen-Bromine. Although the all-vanadium type exhibits the best performance, it raises geopolitical issues due to the strong localization of ore reserves which make this metal a critical raw material (CRM), e.g. in the European Union. In this scenario the research on some iron-complex-based FBs is taking momentum due to wide accessibly and low cost of the metal, despite performance still call for major improvements. Techno-economic analyses and forecasts using tools such as the levelized cost of storage (LCOS) and the net present value (NPV) can provide important insight in addressing strategically the developing research. References EASE, Energy Storage - Targets 2030 and 2050, EASE Report, Reports and Studies, June 2022.Jeremy Twitchell, Kyle DeSomber, and Dhruv Bhatnagar. Defining long duration energy storage. J. Energy Storage, 60 (2023):105787.McKinsey & Company, Net-zero power – Long duration energy storage for a renewable grid, McKinsey & Company Report, November 2022.Böhmer, C. Fenske, C. Lorenz, M. Westbroek. Long-duration energy storage - Regulatory environment and business models in Germany, Spain, France, Italy, and Great Britain. Report created for SPRIND GmbH, Aurora Energy, June 2023Search.J. Guerra, J. Zhang, J. Eichman, P. Denholm, J. Kurtz, B.-M. Hodge, The value of seasonal energy storage technologies for the integration of wind and solar power, Energy Environ. Sci., 13 (7), (2020), 1909–1922. DOI: 10.1039/d0ee00771d.A. Hunter, M.M. Penev, E.P. Reznicek, J. Eichman, N. Rustagi, S.F. Baldwin, Techno-economic analysis of long-duration energy storage and flexible power generation technologies to support high-variable renewable energy grids, Joule, 5 (2021) 2077–2101. Doi: 10.1016/j.joule.2021.06.018.A. Dowling, K.Z. Rinaldi, T.H. Ruggles, S.J. Davis, M. Yuan, F. Tong, N.S. Lewis, K. Caldeira, Role of Long-Duration Energy Storage, in Variable Renewable Electricity Systems, Joule, 4 (2020), 1907–1928.Albertus, J.S. Manser, S. Litzelman, Long-Duration Electricity Storage Applications, Economics, and Technologies Joule, 4 (1), (2020), 21 - 32, DOI: 10.1016/j.joule.2019.11.009.Sanchez-Diez, E. Ventosa, M. Guarnieri, A. Trovò, C. Flox, R. Marcilla, F. Soavi, P. Mazur, E. Aranzabe, R. Ferret, “Redox flow batteries: status and perspective towards sustainable stationary energy storage”, J. Power Sources, 481, (2021) 228804. doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2020.228804.Poli, C. Bonaldo, M. Moretto, M. Guarnieri. Techno-economic assessment of industrial Vanadium Flow Batteries based on experimental data, Appl. Energy, 362 (2024) 122954. DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.122954.A. Kurilovich, A. Trovò, M. Pugach, K.J. Stevenson, M. Guarnieri, “Prospect of modeling industrial scale flow batteries – From experimental data to accurate overpotential identification,” Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., 167 (2022) 112559. doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2022.112559.