Agricultural waste-derived carbon electrodes for sustainable lithium-ion batteries: environmental and economic assessment

Abstract

The demand for effective and sustainable energy storage solutions has increased globally due to the rapid growth of renewable energy systems and electric vehicles. Despite being the industry leader, lithium-ion batteries are increasingly being challenged for their dependence on non-renewable resources, high production costs, and environmental issues related to mining and disposal. The possibility of using materials obtained from agricultural waste as sustainable substitutes for the fabrication of electrodes for lithium-ion batteries is investigated in this review. It is possible to thermochemically transform a variety of agricultural leftovers, such as husks, stalks, and shells, into high-performance carbon compounds with advantageous electrochemical properties. The viability of using these bio-derived components in the production of lithium-ion batteries was assessed by a thorough economic and environmental analysis. When compared to traditional graphite-based systems, the findings of the life cycle assessment show notable decreases in waste production, energy usage, and carbon footprint. From an economic perspective, utilizing agricultural waste cuts down raw material expenses and promotes while aligning with circular economy principles by enabling the valorisation of biomass residues into high-value products. The results show that electrodes made from agricultural waste may perform competitively while significantly improving sustainability. This review highlights a viable pathway toward more cost-effective, resource-efficient, and environmentally sustainable lithium-ion battery technology.