Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide Research Articles

A comparative study on the production of Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3C2O4 cathode precursor material for lithium-ion batteries using batch and slug-flow reactors

The intermittent nature of the renewable energy sources drifts research interest towards various electrochemical energy storage devices, such as the lithium ion battery, which offers consistent power supply. The manufacturing cost and electrochemical performance of a battery pack largely depends on the quality of the cathode material, which further depends on the production method and its parameters. However, the traditional stirred tank-based co-precipitation manufacturing process for precursors of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NCM111) cathode suffers from inhomogeneity in the reaction environment, which leads to non-uniform morphology and particle size distribution (PSD). In this work, slug-flow-based manufacturing platform, which offers a homogeneous reaction environment, is used for the continuous production of NCM111 oxalate precursors. One of the novel features of this work is the comparative study between the quality of batch and slug-flow-derived products. The slug-flow-derived product is found to be better in terms of having bigger particle size, narrower PSD and higher tap density. The study on the single and dual-element precipitation in similar conditions to understand the co-precipitation behavior in the slug-flow manufacturing platform is also a unique feature of this work. Furthermore, the effect of NH4OH concentration and residence time (RT) on the electrochemical performance of cathode were also studied and it is found that the cathode precursors synthesized at a NH4OH concentration of 0.08 M and a RT of 2 minutes followed by lithiation shows a better electrochemical performance of 128 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C with cycling stability of more than 80% both at 0.5 C and 1 C.

High-power ultrasound facilitation of the generality for LiFePO4 regeneration

Renowned for its remarkable electrochemical performance, temperature stability, safety attributes, and long-lasting durability, the LiFePO4 battery has gained prominence in diverse applications, particularly within the electric vehicle sector. Despite not holding the top market position, approximately 69 % of global batteries comprise LiFePO4, raising concerns about a potential increase in discarded batteries. Present research predominantly concentrates on extracting valuable materials such as Co, Li, Ni, and Mn, frequently sidelining spent LiFePO4 batteries due to their perceived limited recoverable content compared to NMC and LCO batteries. However, LiFePO4 batteries removed from electric vehicles retain approximately 80 % of their initial capacity, with the cathode material sustaining a robust crystal structure. Here, direct recycling techniques employing a green reducing agent like ascorbic acid have shown promise in rectifying lithium vacancies and anti-sites in spent LiFePO4 through high power ultrasonic reactions. This work delves into exploring the influence of different lithium sources and Li + concentrations on the structure and electrochemical performance of regenerated LiFePO4. The direct regeneration of LiFePO4 showcases a favorable crystal structure that maintains stable phase transitions during charge and discharge processes. RLFP-0.2 M exhibits discharge specific capacity of 154.71 mAh∙g−1. It indicates RLFP-0.2 M maintains a discharge specific capacity of 132.89 mAh∙g−1 after 200 cycles at 1C current, retaining a remarkable capacity retention rate of 93.56 %. This study demonstrates that high-power ultrasonication is a universally applicable, low-energy, highly efficient, operationally simple, and environmentally friendly method for direct recycling of spent LiFePO4 batteries. Our research not only investigates the influence of various lithium sources and Li + concentration but also optimizes the recycling process for spent LiFePO4 batteries. Additionally, it provides an experimental foundation and reference for the recycling of other power batteries, contributing to achieving green direct recycling of various power batteries.

Morphology modification of LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 by incorporating cotton textiles in lithium-ion capacitors

To address the alerting issue of energy demand, lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) have been widely studied as promising electrochemical energy storage devices, which can deliver higher energy density than supercapacitors (SCs), and have higher power density with longer cycling life than lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this work, the active material lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM523) is grown on a cotton textile template and building a 3-dimensional (3D) integrity to improve capacitance and energy density of LICs by enhancing the interfacial ion-exchange process. With the 3D structure, the specific discharge capacitance is increased to 718.67 F g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 from that of non-textile NCM523 (265.97 F g−1), and remains a high capacitance of 254.48 Fg−1 at 10 A g−1 in the half-cell capacitors. In addition, the energy density can achieve up to 36.17 Wh kg−1 at the power density of 1,200 W kg−1 in the full-cell capacitor. The textile NCM can maintain an energy density of 28.26 Wh kg−1 at the current density of 10 A g−1 and power density of 6,000 W kg−1. Our results present promising applications of electrodes with the 3D porous structure for high energy density LICs.

First-principles study of the structures and redox mechanisms of Ni-rich lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides

To reduce the cobalt (Co) content in lithium-ion batteries, Ni-rich (high-Ni) lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides (NMC) are pursued as one of the next-generation cathode materials. However, there is still debate on the crystal and electronic structures of the baseline, LiNiO2. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were performed to provide a theoretical understanding of Ni-rich NMC. First, it was found that the commonly used R3¯m structure for LiNiO2 is metallic, contrary to the experimentally reported mix-conducting behavior. Among the four different space groups, R3¯m, C2/m, P21/c, and P2/c, P2/c with charge disproportionation of Ni2+ and Ni4+ is the most energetically stable and semiconducting structure of LiNiO2. Therefore, the atomic structures of representative Ni-rich NMC were built by partially replacing Ni with Co or Mn in the P2/c LiNiO2 to form LixNiyMnzCo1-y-zO2. In the fully lithiated (x = 1.0) high Ni content NMC (y > 0.5), the oxidation state of all Mn ions becomes 4+, while Co ions still maintain 3+, and part of the Ni ions become 2+ to compensate for the charge. Upon delithiation, the local environment shows more variation of the charge states on the transition metal (TM) ions. The average oxidation on each TM follows a sequence of losing electrons that starts from Ni2+ to Ni3+, then oxidizing Ni3+ and Co3+, while Mn4+ remains electrochemically inactive till x = 0. A general relationship for the oxidation state change in each TM as a function of x and y is derived and shows agreement with both modeling and experimental data.

Optimizing Discharge Rate for Li Metal Stability in Rechargeable Li|NMC Batteries under Lean Electrolyte Condition

Optimizing Discharge Rate for Li Metal Stability in Rechargeable Li|NMC Batteries under Lean Electrolyte Condition

Conversion of Lithium Chloride into Lithium Hydroxide Using a Two-Step Solvent Extraction Process in an Agitated Kühni Column

AbstractA significant consequence of the green transition is the growing demand of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), as they are essential for electrical vehicles. In turn, the demand for the raw materials that are needed to produce LIBs is increasing. A common LIB cathode type for electrical cars is lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC). Since cobalt is currently considered as a critical raw material, nickel-rich NMC cathodes are now designed with lower cobalt contents. The synthesis of these new NMC types requires LiOH instead of Li2CO3, which was used for Co-richer NMC materials in the past. Most production routes of LiOH start from Li2CO3 or Li2SO4. However, LiCl could also be a potential precursor for LiOH, as it could be obtained from various lithium sources. A two-step solvent extraction process (SX) was developed for direct conversion of LiCl into LiOH, using a phenol (butylhydroxytoluene or BHT) and a mixture of quaternary ammonium chlorides (Aliquat 336) in an aliphatic diluent (Shellsol D70) as the solvent. The SX process was validated in counter-current mode using a rotary agitated Kühni extraction column. The use of a column instead of mixer-settlers reduced the CO2 uptake by the final product (LiOH), which prevented the partial conversion of LiOH to Li2CO3. A total of 75 L of LiCl feed solution was processed in the Kühni column to obtain a solution of LiOH with a final purity of more than 99.95%, at a yield of 96%. Graphical Abstract

Overcoming low initial coulombic efficiencies of Si anodes through prelithiation in all-solid-state batteries

All-solid-state batteries using Si as the anode have shown promising performance without continual solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) growth. However, the first cycle irreversible capacity loss yields low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) of Si, limiting the energy density. To address this, we adopt a prelithiation strategy to increase ICE and conductivity of all-solid-state Si cells. A significant increase in ICE is observed for Li1Si anode paired with a lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) cathode. Additionally, a comparison with lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NCM) reveals that performance improvements with Si prelithiation is only applicable for full cells dominated by high anode irreversibility. With this prelithiation strategy, 15% improvement in capacity retention is achieved after 1000 cycles compared to a pure Si. With Li1Si, a high areal capacity of up to 10 mAh cm–2 is attained using a dry-processed LCO cathode film, suggesting that the prelithiation method may be suitable for high-loading next-generation all-solid-state batteries.

High Precision Nail‐Penetration Setup for the Controlled Thermal Runaway Initiation of Lithium‐Ion Cells at Very Low Temperatures

A high precision nail‐penetration (NP) tool for characterizing the mechanically induced thermal‐runaway (TR) of lithium‐ion battery (LIB) cells in a defined range of temperatures down to −140 °C was developed. To understand the cell specific behavior at low temperatures aiming at the determination of safe handling conditions, different scenarios are analyzed. First, accuracy tests of the NP‐tool regarding motion and penetration depth are conducted with cylindrical cells at different temperatures. Thus, postmortem computer tomographic (CT) images are compared to the data measured with the newly integrated 3‐axis force sensor which is further combined with a high‐resolution position sensor. The herein developed setup allows evaluation of the NP‐metrics at an accuracy of ±1 pierced electrode layer without CT‐scans. Further NP examinations at 20 °C of fully charged cylindrical lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide cells reveal a reproducible minimum damage as a reliable TR‐trigger. Moreover, NP‐tests at low temperature disclose a relation of the short circuit conductivity and TR‐reactions during subsequent rethermalization to room temperature. Finally, the implementation of a novel fixture for a controlled very fast cooling of LIB‐cells during critical damage opens the way to investigate the individual steps during a TR and, thus, to gain important information of the specific TR‐mechanism of different LIB‐cells.

Round‐robin test of all‐solid‐state battery with sulfide electrolyte assembly in coin‐type cell configuration

AbstractThe replacement of conventional lithium‐ion batteries with solid‐state batteries is currently under investigation by many players both from academia and industry. Sulfide‐based electrolytes are among the materials that are regarded as most promising, especially for application in the transport sector. The performance of anode, cathode, and solid electrolyte materials of this type of solid electrolyte is typically evaluated using manually assembled cells such as Swagelok cells, EL‐CELLs, and in‐house built pressure devices. Coin cells, however, are often disregarded. Though coin cells cannot accurately predict how a material will perform in an end‐use application battery cell format, they are easy to assemble and can provide reproducible data compared to the other cell types, which make them an interesting option for testing the materials under conditions more relevant for their envisioned application. The coin cell preparation method presented in this work has been evaluated interlaboratory for reproducibility and, in addition, can be modified depending on the optimization parameters of the solid electrolyte, cathode material, bilayer comprised on cathode and solid electrolyte, lithium metal anode, and cell in general. Besides, an interlab round‐robin test (RRT) is carried out between four laboratories, measuring defined electrochemical tests of sulfide solid‐state batteries in coin cell configuration. This RRT for the preparation of coin cell solid‐state batteries with sulfide solid electrolyte, lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides cathode, and lithium metal anode is intended for academic researchers and provides guidelines of research in this field.

Development of dual polarization battery model with high accuracy for a lithium-ion battery cell under dynamic driving cycle conditions

Lithium-ion batteries are a key technology for electric vehicles. They are suitable for use in electric vehicles as they provide long range and long life. However, Lithium-ion batteries need to be controlled by a Battery Management System (BMS) to operate safely and efficiently. The BMS continuously controls parameters, such as current, voltage, temperature, state of charge (SoC), and state of health (SoH), and protects the battery against overcharging and discharging, imbalances between cells, and thermal runaways. The battery models and several prediction algorithms that the BMS uses to carry out these checks are essential to the system's performance. This research assesses the Dual Polarization (DP) model's ability to mimic actual battery performance in different dynamic driving conditions. In the study, a battery model for a Lithium–Nickel–Manganese–Cobalt-Oxide (Li-NMC) cell with a nominal capacity of 2 Ah is developed. A DP model was used in the study. Modeling and parameter estimation were performed in MATLAB Simulink/Simscape. Firstly, the model parameters are estimated depending on the SoC using the current and voltage data obtained from the Hybrid Pulse Power Characterization (HPPC) test. A further validation study of the model for low dynamic and high dynamic driving cycles is then presented. Dynamic Stress Test (DST), the US06 Supplemental Federal Test Procedure (SFTP) and Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) cycles were used for model validation. As a result of the study, the model's Root Mean Square (RMS) error values were obtained as 0.0053 V for DST, 0.0059 V for US06, and 0.008 V for WLTP. The obtained model is particularly successful for simulating a battery under dynamic current conditions and for use in control and prediction algorithms.

Comparative analysis of equivalent circuit battery models for electric vehicle battery management systems

Lithium-ion batteries need to be controlled by a Battery Management System (BMS) to operate safely and efficiently. BMS controls parameters, such as current, voltage, temperature, state of charge (SoC),state of health (SoH), state of power (SoP) and etc. The battery models and several prediction algorithms that the BMS uses to carry out these checks are essential to the system's performance. Therefore, the battery model is crucial to the BMS. This model is used to optimize the performance, capacity, lifetime and safety of the battery. Using the accurate battery model for BMS and electric vehicles can improve energy efficiency, extend battery life and reduce safety risks. Therefore, it is important that the model can accurately reflect the battery behavior under different load conditions. In this study, the performance of Rint, Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV), Thevenin, and Dual Polarization (DP) battery models, which are widely known in the literature, to simulate static and dynamic voltage behavior is compared. A 18650 NMC battery was used for this purpose, and Hybrid Pulse Power Characterization (HPPC), Dynamic Stress Test (DST), Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), and Constant Current (CC) discharge tests were performed. The performance of the models for the four tests is compared. The maximum error values for WLTP are 2.98 % in Rint, 1.32 % in PNGV, 2.80 % in Thevenin, and 1.09 % in DP. Comparing the performances of models for all tests, it is found that the DP model is the most accurate model under both constant and dynamic current conditions.

Thermal runaway of Li-ion battery with different aging histories

Safety issues associated with thermal runaway (TR) in batteries have attracted extensive research attention. However, understanding and predicting TR encounter significant challenges due to the complexities of chemical reactions, venting events, thermal stratification, multiphase interactions, and variable boundary conditions. These challenges are further complicated by intrinsic battery degradation, a phenomenon often insufficiently characterized and governed by multiple mechanisms. These primarily include the depletion of electrolyte and active materials, thickening of the solid-electrolyte-interphase (SEI), and formation of lithium plating and dendrites. Such degradation alters the battery's materials and structure, directly causing electrochemical performance penalties and potentially affecting its TR behavior. This study examines the TR behavior of commercial 18,650 cells with lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) cathodes, focusing on degradation associated typical usage scenarios: long-term cycling, low-temperature cycling, dynamic cycling with calendar aging. We employ Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) to probe internal changes in the electrochemical properties of aged cells compared to fresh counterparts. The EIS results reveal pronounced SEI impedance and substantially increased charge transfer impedance in long-term cycled cells. TR tests were conducted using an Accelerating Rate Calorimeter (EV+ ARC, Thermal Hazard Technology) following the heat-wait-seek (HWS) strategy. Our findings indicate a significant impact of aging mechanisms on second-life battery safety. Specifically, cells subjected to low-temperature cycling demonstrated a considerably lower onset temperature for exothermic reactions, and shorter TR delay time, despite all aged cells showing similar state of health (SOH). Furthermore, the temperature corresponding to the cell voltage drop is consistently much lower for aged cells with dynamic cycling and calendar aging.

Recovery of metal ions in lithium iron phosphate powder and lithium nickel-cobalt-manganate powder by electrochemical oxidation

In recent years, lithium-ion batteries have been increasingly used in electric and hybrid vehicles. It is anticipated that the first lithium-ion batteries will be discarded at the height of their useful lives in 2025, so developing an effective and ecologically friendly recycling process is essential. In this study, an electrochemical cathode synergism is proposed for the electro-catalyzed oxidation of lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide powder and lithium iron phosphate powder to extract metal. The oxidation of Fe2+ and the release of Li+ (98 %) in LiFePO4 and the leaching of Ni (92 %), Co (91 %), Mn (94 %) and Li (97 %) from its NCM523 were mainly triggered by the rapid attack of a large amount of OH during advanced oxidation. The leaching kinetic analysis showed that the leaching system for electrochemical leaching of binary and ternary cathode materials was a chemical reaction control model, and the leaching thermodynamic analysis showed that the dissolution of each metal ion was feasible in this leaching environment. The suggested recycling technique utilizes fewer chemicals and generates less waste when compared to previous recycling techniques. The method offers a fresh approach to environmentally friendly recycling for spent lithium-ion battery leaching and recycling.

Influence of magnetic field upon electrode kinetics and ionic transport

Performance properties in lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and zero excess metal batteries are currently limited by the sluggish ion diffusion and inhomogeneity of the transport ion flux, resulting in poor formation, low rates, and short cycle lives. In this work, a magnetic field is applied to the cell by the incorporation of a NdFeB magnetic spacer, and the effect upon the kinetics and transport properties at each electrode is studied using galvanic charge and discharge, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and intermittent titration techniques. Stabilization of the anode-free or zero excess sodium and lithium metal cells is achieved during formation, and upon cycling. Reduced cell overpotential is observed with resulting higher areal capacities, with improved ionic diffusion through the electrode. Upon cycling metallic dendritic structures are suppressed due to the inhomogeneity of ion flux, and the likely competing kinetics of plating at a metallic tip and the surrounding surface. At the NMC electrode, improved kinetics are observed with lower charge-transfer resistance (Rct) due to the reshaped and aligned domain in the ferromagnetic Ni of NMC cathode. Pulsed current methods further confirm enhanced cationic diffusion in the anode graphite materials, particularly at high mass loading of 4 mA h cm−2 and high C rates. Consequently, the combination of enhanced reaction kinetics on the ferromagnetic cathode and improved diffusion kinetics in the porous anode leads to excellent full-cell performance compared to control groups. This study highlights the potential of magnetic fields in enhancing diffusion and reaction kinetics for rechargeable batteries (Li, Na, K, Mg, etc.), and may provide routes for extending cycle life, reconditioning cells, and improving formation protocols.

The Rate Capability Performance of High-Areal-Capacity Water-Based NMC811 Electrodes: The Role of Binders and Current Collectors

The aqueous processing of cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has both environmental and cost benefits. However, high-loading, water-based electrodes from the layered oxides (e.g., NMC) typically exhibit worse electrochemical performance than NMP-based electrodes. In this work, primary, binary, and ternary binder mixtures of aqueous binders such as CMC, PAA, PEO, SBR, and Na alginate, in combination with bare and C-coated Al current collectors, were explored, aiming to improve the rate capability performance of NMC811 electrodes with high areal capacity (≥4 mAh cm−2) and low binder content (3 wt.%). Electrodes with a ternary binder composition (CMC:PAA:SBR) have the best performance with bare Al current collectors, attaining a specific capacity of 150 mAh g−1 at 1C. Using carbon-coated Al current collectors results in improved performance for both water- and NMP-based electrodes. This is further accentuated for Na-Alg and CMC:PAA binder compositions. These electrodes show specific capacities of 170 and 80 mAh g−1 at 1C and 2C, respectively. Although the specific capacities at 1C are comparable to those for NMP-PVDF electrodes, they are approximately 50% higher at the 2C rate. This study aims to contribute to the development of sustainably processed NMC electrodes for high energy density LIBs using water as solvent.

Selective Extraction of Lithium from Spent NMC Battery Cathodes Using Sodium Hydroxide as a Leaching Agent at Elevated Temperatures

Introduction: The demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is rapidly increasing due to the growth of the electronics and electric vehicle industries. Even though the batteries are rechargeable, their storage capacity decreases, and they eventually end up being wasted. Recycling the spent LIBs is necessary to reduce the environmental impact and utilize the precious metals contained in the waste Methods: The present work focuses on the selective recovery of lithium from the cathodes of spent NMC batteries through the hydrometallurgical process using a sodium hydroxide solution. The leaching process was carried out in 2 M and 4 M NaOH concentrations for 120 minutes at high pressure and at temperatures of 398.15 K, 423.15 K, 448.15 K, and 473.15 K. Experimental results showed that 56.53% of lithium could be recovered with nearly 100% selectivity under the optimum leaching conditions of 473.15 K and 4 M NaOH. The release of lithium ions was due to a combination of sodium adsorption, ion exchange, and impregnation mechanisms. Result: Calculation results showed that the activation energy of the lithium leaching process was 2.1990×104 J/mol, the reaction was endothermic with enthalpy and entropy at standard conditions (298.15 K) of 4.8936×105 J/mol and 1.4421×103 J/mol/K, respectively. Conclusion: The present work also suggested that total lithium recovery can be increased through leaching processes.

Utilization of lithium sulphate electrodialysis for closed-loop LIB recycling: Experimental study and process simulation

The hydrometallurgical recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) frequently relies on sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate. This process generates a sodium-enriched solution, requiring treatment prior to safe discharge. This study focuses on a closed-loop recycling process for spent Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC) cathode material, eliminating sodium ions from conventional hydrometallurgical methods and regenerating acid and precipitant from disposal slurry. It employs lithium hydroxide (LiOH) as the precipitating reagent, while lithium recovery is conducted employing electrodialysis (ED) to regenerate LiOH and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) from the lithium sulfate solution. A part of the LiOH and H2SO4 reagents are subsequently used for the leaching and precipitation steps, creating a closed-loop recycling process. An experimental setup was developed to study the leaching, impurity removal, and metal extraction processes. The closed-loop recycling process was further investigated by simulation of this process. This involved the development of the ED module in both continuous and batch configurations using the Aspen Custom Modeler. This ED module is incorporated into Aspen Plus to integrate with the recycling process under experimental operational conditions. The minimal deviations of 3.34% and 2.38% within the precipitation and co-precipitation processes indicated the accuracy and validity of this work. Utilizing multiple batch-mode ED cells yields a 25% higher recovery of LiOH solution compared to continuous ED cells in the same operation conditions, i.e., employing 48 cells for 96 min under a current density of 1100 A·m−2. Furthermore, increasing the leaching temperature by 60°C yields a 53% increase in lithium leaching efficiency.

Boosting the performance enhancement of short-process regenerated Ni-rich cathode via antimony doping and modification

Currently, the short-process regeneration of cathode materials in spent lithium-ion batteries has attracted wide attention from researchers because of its short process flow, less waste liquid discharge and the cascade utilization of recycled materials. However, the performance of short-process regenerated electrode materials is generally difficult to comparable with the commercial materials, especially for lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (NCM). Herein, antimony (Sb) doping, and modification is proposed to boost the performance enhancement of short-process regenerated NCM in our work. Spent NCM is first selectively leached by oxalic acid, and then directly dried to obtain the precursor without separation and filtration. Finally, NCM is regenerated by lithium supplement and Sb doping modification. The regenerated NCM with optimal Sb doping modification (R-Sb10) has better electrochemical performance and cycle stability. It delivers an initial specific discharge capacity of 152.3 mAh/g, and the capacity retention maintains 86.3 % after 200 cycles at 0.5C, which can be comparable to the commercial NCM. The Sb element can be evenly distributed in the interior of short-process regenerated NCM, especially with a protective Li3SbO4 film on the surface. Through theoretical calculation, the R-Sb10 has a lower energy for material formation, higher energy barrier for cation disorder and decreasing diffusion energy barrier for Li+. The doping modification method provides a new idea to improve the performance of regenerated materials and is expected to meet the needs of industrial applications in the future.

Are solid-state batteries absolutely more environmentally friendly compared to traditional batteries-analyzing from the footprint family viewpoint

In recent years, with the change of global climate, carbon neutralization has become a global consensus. Solid state batteries have become the important way to develop batteries in the future due to their advantages such as high safety, high energy density, wider operating temperature range, and the battery production stage is the main contributor to the environmental impact of the battery life cycle.This article selects three traditional batteries, LFP battery, NMC battery, LTO battery, and two new solid-state batteries, Li-FeS2 battery and LLZO battery, to conduct a study on the carbon footprint and other footprint family impacts during the production stage. The inventory data is collected from highly cited literature published in recent years, and the footprint family impact values generated by different types of battery packs are compared and analyzed. When using 1 kg as the functional unit, the footprint values of LLZO and Li-FeS2 solid-state batteries are higher than those of NMC and LFP traditional batteries in most footprint indicators such as ionizing radiation and ozone layer depletion in carbon footprint, material footprint, ecological footprint, and health footprint, resulting in greater environmental pollution. Considering the energy density of the battery, with a functional unit of 1kWh, the high energy density of solid-state batteries significantly reduces their environmental impact, while traditional battery LTO increases its environmental impact due to the lower battery energy density. But in the material footprint, both functional units of solid-state batteries have a significant impact. The high energy density of solid-state batteries still holds great development prospects, and cleaner technology and energy, as well as higher energy density, remain the direction of battery development.

The Cobalt Supply Chain and Environmental Life Cycle Impacts of Lithium-Ion Battery Energy Storage Systems

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) deployed in battery energy storage systems (BESS) can reduce the carbon intensity of the electricity-generating sector and improve environmental sustainability. The aim of this study is to use life cycle assessment (LCA) modeling, using data from peer-reviewed literature and public and private sources, to quantify environmental impacts along the supply chain for cobalt, a crucial component in many types of LIBs. The study seeks to understand where in the life cycle stage the environmental impacts are highest, thus highlighting actions that can be taken to improve sustainability of the LIB supply chain. The system boundary for this LCA is cradle-to-gate. Impact assessment follows ReCiPe Midpoint (H) 2016. We assume a 30-year modeling period, with augmentation occurring at the end of the 3rd, 7th, and 14th years of operations, before a complete replacement in the 21st year. Three refinery locations (China, Canada, and Finland), a range of ore grades, and five battery chemistries (NMC111, NMC532, NMC622, NMC811, and NCA) are used in scenarios to better estimate their effect on the life cycle impacts. Insights from the study are that impacts along nearly all pathways increase according to an inverse power-law relationship with ore grade; refining outside of China can reduce global warming potential (GWP) by over 12%; and GWP impacts for cobalt used in NCA and other NMC battery chemistries are 63% and 45–74% lower than in NMC111, respectively. When analyzed on a single-score basis, marine and freshwater ecotoxicity are prominent. For an ore grade of 0.3%, the GWP values for the Canada route decrease at a rate of 58% to 65%, and those for Finland route decrease by 71% to 76% from the base case. Statistical analysis shows that cobalt content in the battery is the highest predictor (R2 = 0.988), followed by the ore grade (R2 = 0.966) and refining location (R2 = 0.766), when assessed for correlation individually. The results presented here point to areas where environmental burdens of LIBs can be reduced, and thus they are helpful to policy and investment decision makers.