Environmental Impact Assessment of Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Solid‐State Lithium Batteries

Abstract

Solid‐state batteries play a pivotal role in the next‐generation batteries as they satisfy the stringent safety requirements for stationary or electric vehicle applications. Notable efforts are devoted to the competitive design of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) acting as both the electrolyte and the separator. Although particular efforts to attain acceptable ionic conductivities and wide electrochemical stability widows are carried out, the environmental sustainability is largely neglected. To address this gap, here the cradle‐to‐gate environmental impacts of the most representative SPEs using life cycle assessment (LCA) are quantified. Raw material extraction and electrolyte fabrication are considered. Global warming potential values of 0.37–10.64 kg CO2 equiv. gelectrolyte −1 are achieved, where PEO/LiTFSI presents the lower environmental burdens. A minor role of the polymer fraction on the total impacts is observed, with a maximum CO2 footprint share of 0.61%. Following ecodesign approaches, a sensitivity analysis is performed to simulate industrial‐scale fabrication processes and explore environmentally friendlier scenarios. The electrochemical performance of SPEs is further analyzed into Li/LiFePO4 solid lithium metal battery cell configuration. Overall, these results are aimed to guide the ecologically sustainable design of SPEs and facilitate the implementation of next‐generation sustainable batteries.

A Review on the Recent Advances in Battery Development and Energy Storage Technologies

“…Solid polymer-based electrolyte materials are utilized in thin-flm lithium-ion batteries, and they are coated on top of the cathode material using the magnetron sputtering technique [79,80]. Solid-polymer electrolytes have the beneft of serving as both an electrolyte and a separator [81].…”

Critical insights into the recent advancements and future prospects of zinc ion battery electrolytes in aqueous systems

“…[3][4][5] While lithium-ion batteries have played a pivotal role in the portable electronics and automotive sectors, challenges such as high costs, lithium resource depletion, toxic electrolytes, and security concerns have prompted the exploration of alternative energy storage technologies. 6,7 Against this backdrop, ZIBs have emerged as a promising solution, capturing the attention of both researchers and industries. 8 The electrolyte in ZIBs serves as a crucial component, facilitating the transport of Zn 2+ between the cathode and anode, thereby influencing electrochemically stable potential windows (ESPWs) and coulombic efficiencies (CE) for Zn 2+ storage.…”

“…3–5 While lithium-ion batteries have played a pivotal role in the portable electronics and automotive sectors, challenges such as high costs, lithium resource depletion, toxic electrolytes, and security concerns have prompted the exploration of alternative energy storage technologies. 6,7…”

Flame-Resistant Poly(vinyl alcohol) Composites with Improved Ionic Conductivity

“…Although liquid electrolytes have high ionic conductivity and interact well with battery electrodes, they have some disadvantages, such as high flammability and high vapor pressure at high temperatures. Compared to liquid electrolytes, polymer electrolytes mitigate or impede the growth of metallic dendrites [ 2 ], they are more environmentally friendly [ 3 ], have a light weight [ 4 ], flexibility [ 4 ], low electrolyte leakage [ 5 ], good processability [ 6 ], electrochemical resistance [ 7 ], and better fire resistance [ 8 ]. They are less reactive with the lithium electrode, and if they exhibit appropriate mechanical performances, they do not require a separator between the electrodes [ 9 ].…”