ELECTRIC VEHICLES - evenergy

 

In search of lithium-ion alternatives, scientists use peat to make sodium-ion batteries

Researchers at Estonia’s Tartu University say they have found a way to use peat to produce sodium-ion batteries – a possible alternative to the lithium-ion batteries commonplace today.

So what?

This technology is dependent on the extraction of peat from bogs – a type of wetland ecosystem abundant across northern Europe. Bogs and other wetlands, however, are important carbon sinks, often sequestrating more carbon than comparable forest ecosystems. Draining these areas would, thus, lead to the release of large amounts of carbon dioxide. Although the researchers argue that the peat they use are waste products of other extraction methods, scaling up of such technology would mean that these unsustainable extraction methods are further incentivized and made financially attractive. Batteries, the solution to carbon emission-induced climate change, would then appear to contribute to further carbon dioxide release.

As the world moves towards renewable energy and electric mobility, batteries and storage systems have risen in importance and various technologies are being developed and tested as possible alternatives to the presently dominant lithium-ion model. With batteries set to scale up, the resource extraction ecosystem for battery development will be an important part of the transition. Making sure that the effects on natural ecosystems are minimal, or ideally regenerative, and that value chains prioritize human and environmental well-being will be important for a just and regenerative transition.

Lithium batteries with recycled cathodes on par with newly made batteries

Researchers from the US Advanced Battery Consortium and battery company A123 Systems published a report in the journal Joule showing that batteries with recycled cathodes can be as good as or even better than batteries made with new materials. The tested batteries consisted of recycled cathodes which were made by the start-up Battery Resources using a patented recycling technique.

So what?

Batteries and other storage technologies will be key in the transition towards increased renewable energy production and the use of electric vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries are one of the most used battery technologies today, and a ramping up of battery production will see an increase in lithium mining. To minimize the extent of mining and reduce the wastes from the growing battery sector, recycling of lithium and other materials used in batteries will be necessary.

Recycled materials are generally believed to not be as good as newly mined materials. As such, the outcomes of this research provide signals of positive changes in the recycling sector. Such advances in recycling will reduce the environmental and social impacts of the renewable and electric mobility transition. Growth in the recycling sector might also allow countries to reduce their dependency on foreign supply chains for necessary minerals. Sharing of knowledge and other forms of collaboration will probably be key if advancements in recycling are to provide benefits to everyone involved.

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