Battery Safety

Since they were first commercialised 30 years ago, we have become increasingly reliant on lithium-ion batteries. Used in everything from phones and computers to electric vehicles and electricity grids, they provide an attractive combination of affordability, high energy and power densities, high cycling efficiencies and lifetimes. However, as demand for these batteries has increased, researchers, manufacturers and consumers have questioned the economic benefits, pressure on raw materials and sustainability of a battery economy.

This has led to expanding research on the environmental impact of lithium-ion batteries via lifecycle assessment, battery waste management, second life applications and energy efficient and environmentally benign recycling of end-of-life EV batteries. Safety of batteries throughout their life cycle, including the production, usage and recycling phases, is also critical. The new White Paper from Imperial College London’s Energy Futures Lab and the Institute for Molecular Science and Engineering investigates the safety and sustainability of lithium-ion batteries, exploring ways of reducing their impact on the environment and ensuring they do not pose a danger to health off workers or users.

To find out more about this research and to read the full briefing paper please follow this link:
https://spiral.imperial.ac.uk/handle/...