Degradation Behavior, Biocompatibility, Electrochemical Performance, and Circularity Potential of Transient Batteries

Abstract

Transient technology seeks the development of materials, devices, or systems that undergo controlled degradation processes after a stable operation period, leaving behind harmless residues. To enable externally powered fully transient devices operating for longer periods compared to passive devices, transient batteries are needed. Albeit transient batteries are initially intended for biomedical applications, they represent an effective solution to circumvent the current contaminant leakage into the environment. Transient technology enables a more efficient recycling as it enhances material retrieval rates, limiting both human and environmental exposures to the hazardous pollutants present in conventional batteries. Little efforts are focused to catalog and understand the degradation characteristics of transient batteries. As the energy field is a property‐driven science, not only electrochemical performance but also their degradation behavior plays a pivotal role in defining the specific end‐use applications. The state‐of‐the‐art transient batteries are critically reviewed with special emphasis on the degradation mechanisms, transiency time, and biocompatibility of the released degradation products. The potential of transient batteries to change the current paradigm that considers batteries as harmful waste is highlighted. Overall, transient batteries are ready for takeoff and hold a promising future to be a frontrunner in the uptake of circular economy concepts.

Stable Na Electrodeposition Enabled by Agarose-Based Water-Soluble Sodium Ion Battery Separators

“…This can be accomplished within a circular economy perspective according to “reuse, recycle, or biodegrade”, limiting resource depletion and smoothing end-of-life scenarios. 8 In this context, electrochemical energy storage (EES) systems are of particular relevance as they can store and deliver on-demand power. 9 Because of their high energy densities, low self-discharge rates, and long operation life spans, lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are one of the most mature batteries, 10 overshadowing other relevant technologies.…”

Environmental Impact Analysis of Aprotic Li–O2 Batteries Based on Life Cycle Assessment

“…68,69 Other progress in the field may arise from the development of transient Li−O 2 batteries, which can be disintegrated into harmless byproducts, avoiding environmental impacts arising from the accumulation of current electronic/battery in the environment. 70 Thereby, human and environmental exposures to the hazardous pollutants present in conventional Li−O 2 batteries will be avoided, lowering impacts in the categories of freshwater ecotoxicity, human toxicity, marine ecotoxicity, and terrestrial ecotoxicity. Overall, some promising routes toward a crop equiv in land use, and 18.63 kg 1,4-DCB in freshwater ecotoxicity.…”

Application of response surface methodology (RSM) in analyzing the hydrolytic degradation of plasticized MWCNTs nanocomposites

“…The rate of hydrolysis of PLA-based polymers is influenced by the medium pH. Polymer chains are more easily destroyed in strong basic and acidic conditions because hydrolysis reactions are facilitated by the presence of hydronium and hydroxide ions [23]. If PLA is used to make a citrus juice bottle, it will be subjected to acidic media (pH 4), causing the hydrolysis mechanism to continue through chain-end scission.…”