A Perspective on the Sustainability of Cathode Materials used in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Electric vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries are viewed as a vital green technology required to meet CO2 emission targets as part of a global effort to tackle climate change. Positive electrode (cathode) materials within such batteries are rich in critical metals-particularly lithium, cobalt, and nickel. The large-scale mining of such metals, to meet increasing battery demands, poses concerns surrounding material exhaustion in addition to further environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. In particular, unethical mining practices and political instability within the Democratic Republic of the Congo (the world's largest cobalt producer) have prompted research into cobalt-low and cobalt-free alternatives. This review aims to provide a holistic view of lithium-ion cathode development and inform advancements by highlighting the interdependencies across mining, material development, and end-of-life management. While material sustainability is reported through supply and demand projections, the potential socioenvironmental impacts of lithium-ion battery technology represent a hugely underresearched area among the aforementioned themes. Notably, the lack of attention paid toward future implications of increased nickel use across material management and development disciplines is also discussed.

Automated summary

The rise of electric vehicles has highlighted the importance of lithium-ion batteries as a vital green technology, but the large-scale mining for battery materials raises concerns regarding resource depletion and environmental, social, and governance issues. Insufficient research has been conducted on the socioenvironmental impacts of lithium-ion battery technology in the past, and the potential implications of increased nickel use in material management and development disciplines also lack attention.