How secure is critical mineral resource supply in lithium-ion batteries?

The security of critical mineral resource supply needs to consider supply stability, sustainability, timeliness, and economy. Based on this, this study constructed a risk assessment index system for the supply of critical mineral resources in lithium-ion batteries for renewable energy storage batteries.

Are lithium-ion batteries sustainable?

In lithium-ion batteries, an intricate arrangement of elements helps power the landscape of sustainable energy storage, and by extension, the clean energy transition. This edition of the LOHUM Green Gazette delves into the specifics of each mineral, visiting their unique contributions to the evolution and sustenance of energy storage.

What minerals are used in battery technology?

As the energy transition rapidly expands, demand for critical minerals used in battery technologies is expected to rise sharply. These minerals include lithium, cobalt, nickel, phosphate and graphite – along with emerging materials like sodium, zinc, sulfur, and silicon.

What materials are needed to make lithium ion batteries?

There are seven main raw materials needed to make lithium-ion batteries. Among these, the US defines graphite, lithium, nickel, manganese, and cobalt as critical minerals: metals of essential importance to US energy needs, but which have supply chains vulnerable to disruption.

What are lithium ion batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries are extensively employed in renewable energy storage systems, and their performance is significantly dependent on the critical materials within the batteries. Lithium, serving as the core anode material, directly influences the battery’s energy density and cycle life.

Does critical mineral supply constrain the development of batteries?

With the continuous expansion of demand in the renewable energy market, scholars have noticed that the safety of critical mineral supply may constrain the development of batteries 10. Existing studies on the supply risk of critical minerals involve different dimensions of risk assessment indicators, such as resources, markets, and technology 11.