Electric cars and batteries: how will the world produce enough?

Castelvecchi, Davide

doi:10.1038/d41586-021-02222-1

Cited by 175 publications

(86 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…The development of longer-lasting batteries requires a better understanding of the degradation mechanisms that cause Li-ion battery (LIB) failures. For example, the performance loss is particularly critical in batteries with next-generation high energy cathodes, such as Ni-rich LiNi x Mn y Co (1-x-y) O 2 (NMC, x > 0.6) 1 , which are designed to last for up to twenty years in, for example, electric vehicle applications 2 . A wide range of damaging mechanisms involving different cell materials and coupled reaction processes have been proposed for these materials 3 – 12 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hollow-core optical fibre sensors for operando Raman spectroscopy investigation of Li-ion battery liquid electrolytes

et al. 2022

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Improved analytical tools are urgently required to identify degradation and failure mechanisms in Li-ion batteries. However, understanding and ultimately avoiding these detrimental mechanisms requires continuous tracking of complex electrochemical processes in different battery components. Here, we report an operando spectroscopy method that enables monitoring the chemistry of a carbonate-based liquid electrolyte during electrochemical cycling in Li-ion batteries with a graphite anode and a LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cathode. By embedding a hollow-core optical fibre probe inside a lab-scale pouch cell, we demonstrate the effective evolution of the liquid electrolyte species by background-free Raman spectroscopy. The analysis of the spectroscopy measurements reveals changes in the ratio of carbonate solvents and electrolyte additives as a function of the cell voltage and show the potential to track the lithium-ion solvation dynamics. The proposed operando methodology contributes to understanding better the current Li-ion battery limitations and paves the way for studies of the degradation mechanisms in different electrochemical energy storage systems.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hollow-core optical fibre sensors for operando Raman spectroscopy investigation of Li-ion battery liquid electrolytes

et al. 2022

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“…In view of the main principles and goals of sustainable development, the design and synthesis of such advanced, fully biobased polymers is a prerequisite for their application in technological areas where both high performance and enhanced sustainability set the requirements. In this respect, growing interest is nowadays devoted to the world of rechargeable batteries, 23 , 24 whose market penetration is experiencing a significant acceleration not only in portable electronics and sustainable mobility but also in the field of large-scale electricity storage in power plants connected with photovoltaic or wind power stations. In these sectors, safety is a crucial and still an unsolved aspect, as the vast majority of commercial (lithium-based) batteries still work with electrolytes obtained using flammable and, in some conditions, even explosive organic solvents mixed with salts.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cardanol-Derived Epoxy Resins as Biobased Gel Polymer Electrolytes for Potassium-Ion Conduction

Manarin

Corsini

Trano

et al. 2022

ACS Appl. Polym. Mater.

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In this study, biobased gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) membranes were developed via the esterification reaction of a cardanol-based epoxy resin with glutaric anhydride, succinic anhydride, and hexahydro-4-methylphthalic anhydride. Nonisothermal differential scanning calorimetry was used to assess the optimal curing time and temperature of the formulations, evidencing a process activation energy of ∼65–70 kJ mol –1 . A rubbery plateau modulus of 0.65–0.78 MPa and a crosslinking density of 2 × 10 –4 mol cm –3 were found through dynamic mechanical analysis. Based on these characteristics, such biobased membranes were tested for applicability as GPEs for potassium-ion batteries (KIBs), showing an excellent electrochemical stability toward potassium metal in the −0.2–5 V voltage range and suitable ionic conductivity (10 –3 S cm –1 ) at room temperature. This study demonstrates the practical viability of these biobased materials as efficient GPEs for the fabrication of KIBs, paving the path to increased sustainability in the field of next-generation battery technologies.

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“… 6 Consider the investment shift to electric vehicles, which has countries competing to produce as many or more of these as are in the fossil fuelled fleet. Vehicle generated greenhouse gas emissions will fall, but environmental damage arising from automobile manufacturing (including new emissions) and the extraction of rare metals needed for batteries will increase, 22 along with the exploitative conditions associated with their mining. 23 Structured global injustices remain, with wealthy nations continuing to inequitably consume and exhaust most of the world’s natural resources, just as they did with covid-19 vaccines.…”

Section: Towards An Eco-just Degrowthmentioning

confidence: 99%