Lithium based battery systems: technological, environmental challenges and opportunities

Abstract

The United Nations has prioritized decarbonization and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, leading many countries to implement a roadmap and policies to increase the use of renewable energy sources. This shift has led to a growing demand for efficient energy storage systems, such as rechargeable batteries, which are essential for modern lifestyles, including powering portable devices and electric vehicles. Nevertheless, the heavy reliance on this technology could lead to a dependence on resources like lithium and other materials necessary for battery manufacturing, potentially causing environmental impacts and scarcity issues, analogous to those observed in fossil fuels. This work provides an overview of developments in various lithium-ion battery systems, covering their main concepts, components, efficiency, and performance. Furthermore, it presents their advantages and disadvantages, and their widespread applications in devices like laptops, smartphones, electric vehicles, home storage systems, among others. It examines the lifecycle of lithium-based batteries, including lithium extraction, processing, recycling processes, and the corresponding environmental impacts. To address potential supply shortages and environmental concerns, the work emphasizes the need for standardized battery materials and devices, as well as the importance of promoting battery recycling and the use of eco-friendlier materials to ensure a sustainable future in this field.