The role of resource sustainability for lithium-ion batteries -A review of existing carbon emission reduction perspectives

Abstract

The resource recycling of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) can significantly reduce the carbon emission, which has received unprecedented attention from both the academic and industrial communities. However, the large consumption of valuable materials (e.g., Li, Co, Ni, Mn, graphite) for LIBs not only intensifies the pressure on global resource supply, but also raises the carbon footprint of the industry. Herein, this review systematically analyses the LIBs industry from the aspects of resource supply and resource cycle, in combination with the carbon emission reduction analyzation of LIBs industry. By analyzing the development status of LIBs materials, the resource composition and critical metals are clearly clarified. With LIBs demand increasing, the resource criticality, primary and secondary resource supply are deeply evaluated where Li and Co supply face enormous challenges. The recycling of spent LIBs gives an effective way for resource utilization and circulation. The carbon emission intensity of the whole LIBs industrial chain is discussed from the perspective of resource supply, utilization, and balance, where the carbon emission reduction mainly relies on the use of low-carbon energy and the recycling/reproduction processes. This critical review revealed that resource sustainability and carbon neutralization are an inseparable system, and can give guidance to the development of LIBs materials to ensure the sustainable development of resources in the future.