Development of Rechargeable Batteries, Focusing on Sustainability

and Comparison

Lingyu Meng

Darlington School, Rome Georgia, 30161, U.S.A.

Keywords:

Rechargeable Batteries, Sustainability, Advantage, Disadvantage.

Abstract: Rechargeable batteries (RBs) have become integral to modern energy storage solutions, with their

development accelerating significantly over recent decades. Beginning with Gaston Planté's invention of the

first rechargeable battery in 1859, the field saw notable advancements, particularly with the introduction and

commercialization. This paper explores various types of RBs, comparing their advantages, disadvantages, and

sustainability aspects. Lithium-ion batteries dominate the market but pose environmental challenges due to

material extraction and disposal issues. The paper also delves into future development trends, highlighting

emerging technologies which promise enhanced performance and safety. Sustainability is still a major issue,

highlighting the necessity of efficient recycling and the usage of eco-friendly products. The integration of

RBs in renewable energy systems and their role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels underscore their

importance. Continued research, global collaboration, and investment are essential to advance rechargeable

batteries (RB) technology, ensuring it meets growing demand and supports a sustainable energy future.

1 INTRODUCTION

The development of rechargeable RBs is growing

rapidly. People discovered that rechargeable batteries

could play an important role. A French physicist

brought up the first rechargeable battery; however,

rechargeable lithium-ion batteries were not invented

until the 1970s (Motoma). The first prototype of a

lithium-ion battery was not created until

1985(Motoma). Still, due to its great performance and

outstanding feasibility, it made huge developments in

the recent decade. The demand of the market also

fostered the development of lithium-ion batteries.

Different progress in rechargeable batteries is being

made at different periods. Harris looks at how soluble

lithium is in different types of non-aqueous

electrolytes in 1958. This leads to the discovery of a

passivation layer that can stop direct chemical

reactions between lithium and the electrolyte, which

piques interest in studies on this field (Souchay &

Désilets, 2020). In the late 1960s market availability

of non-aqueous batteries begins (Souchay & Désilets,

2020). Research into rechargeable (secondary)

lithium-ion batteries was the main progress made in

the 1970s (Souchay & Désilets, 2020). In 1972,

Transition metal chalcogenides were evaluated as

electrode materials (Souchay & Désilets, 2020).

Later, from the late 1970s to the 1980s, Li//MoS2

cells (MOLICELTM) were manufactured (Souchay

& Désilets, 2020). And NbSe3 emerged as a cathode

element (Souchay & Désilets, 2020). The

commercialization of lithium-ion batteries in the

1990s was made possible by other advancements in

cathode materials, such as V2O5, which were

developed in the late 1980s (Souchay & Désilets,

2020).

The process of charging general rechargeable

batteries is primarily based on chemistry, as they store

electrical energy in the form of chemical energy.

These batteries have two electrodes including cathode

and anode and what between them are electrolyte (IQ

Direct). During discharge, the battery releases

electricity through a chemical reaction at the

electrodes, converting chemical energy into electrical

energy (Matsusada Precision). The positive electrode

will absorb the electron released from the negative

electrode (Matsusada Precision). When the battery is

recharged, it stores the electricity for future usage, the

whole process will now reverse. The positive

electrode will release the electron the negative

electrode will absorb the electron released

(Matsusada Precision). The aim of this paper is to

compare the advantage and disadvantage of

214

Meng, L.

Development of Rechargeable Batteries, Focusing on Sustainability and Comparison.

DOI: 10.5220/0013877400004914

Paper published under CC license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

In Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Renewable Energy and Ecosystem (ICREE 2024), pages 214-217

ISBN: 978-989-758-776-4

rechargeable batteries and analyse the further

development trends.

2 COMPARISON BETWEEN

DIFFERENT KINDS OF

RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES

Scientists continue to try many different elements to

see which can store the most energy and which works

best. From 1958 when the Lead-acid battery was first

invented to the Aluminum-ion battery which was

brought up in the 2010s, scientists have been

searching for better and better solutions. Different

kinds of batteries have different chemical

characteristics. Lead-acid batteries use lead plates and

sulfuric acid to make the electrolyte. Nickel

hydroxide serves as the cathode in nickel-cadmium

batteries, while cadmium serves as the anode and

potassium hydroxide serves as the electrolyte. In

terms of nickel-metal hydride batteries, potassium

hydroxide serves as the electrolyte, nickel hydroxide

serves as the cathode, and an alloy anode that absorbs

hydrogen is used. In lithium-ion batteries, graphite is

the stuff in the anode, while the cathode is made of

lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, or other

lithium-based materials. The electrolyte is just some

lithium salt. Unlike conventional Li-ion batteries,

which employ liquid-polymer, lithium-polymer

batteries use a solid or gel-like polymer substance.

Rechargeable batteries (RBs) are essential for

advancing versatile and efficient energy storage

technologies, facilitating the global transition from

traditional fossil fuels to renewable energy sources

(Weiss et al, 2021). Rechargeable batteries (RBs) are

widely employed in several sectors and have been

shown to improve human well-being by providing us

with a multitude of desirable and necessary products

(Kim et al, 2019). Since RBs are a kind of renewable

energy, they are better for the environment and don't

release carbon dioxide when used in place of fossil

fuels like extracting oil from the ground. Batteries

perform a wide range of tasks, including powering

power systems, electric automobiles, wearable

technology, space exploration, medical equipment,

and smartphone apps (Chao et al, 2020).

Rechargeable batteries are most employed in two

applications: electric cars and large power systems

that use renewable energy sources such as solar,

wind, waves, and internal earth heat (Abdul et al,

2020). Since they are lighter than other varieties,

lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) are currently among the

most often used batteries for electric vehicles (Duan

et al, 2023). Recently, the use of electric vehicles has

increased due to their ability to emit no emissions

(Caneon et al, 2019). Although lithium batteries are

seen to be the greatest option for electric vehicles,

there may not be enough of them if everyone wants

one (Caneon et al, 2019).

Rechargeable batteries have unique advantages

and drawbacks. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are

particularly popular, suitable for portable electronics

and electric vehicles (Dala et al, 2010). However,

they are sensitive to high temperatures and can pose

a fire risk if damaged or improperly handled. NiCd

batteries, although largely obsolete, are robust and

perform well in extreme temperatures, but their use

has significantly declined due to toxic metals and the

memory effect. Lead-acid batteries have various uses

but they are heavy and present significant

environmental disposal challenges because of their

toxic lead content (Zhang et al, 2022). Each type of

rechargeable battery has its specific use cases,

determined by its unique properties and limitations.

3 ANALYSIS OF

SUSTAINABILITY

The performance of rechargeable batteries is

relatively the most significant factor for people to

look at. There are many characteristics of

rechargeable batteries that count as their

performance, gravimetric energy density, volumetric

energy density, battery voltage, cycle life, self-

discharge per month, charging time, toxicity,

overcharge tolerance, and operating temperature

range (Liang et al, 2019). Figure 1 shows the

comparison of different batteries. As shown in the

figure, although the whole performance of Li-ion

batteries is good and ideal, the mining of lithium,

cobalt, and other rare metals participated, which can

cause significant environmental degradation and

ethical concerns regarding labor practices (Endalkac,

2023). This is why we always say that recycling

batteries is very important. In this way, people can

reuse the rear metal and recover valuable materials in

the battery without re-extracting them, and it saves

the environment significantly. Effective end-of-life

management of rechargeable batteries is crucial for

sustainability (Endalkac, 2023). If improperly

disposed of, these batteries can cause environmental

hazards, including fires and the release of toxic

substances (Endalkac, 2023). Nickel-metal hydride

batteries are more environmentally friendly than

lithium-ion and nickel-cadmium batteries, as they

Development of Rechargeable Batteries, Focusing on Sustainability and Comparison

215

avoid the use of toxic cadmium and rely on more

abundant materials (Müller & Friedrich, 2006).

Improvements in battery technology and recycling

methods are crucial for enhancing the sustainability

of rechargeable batteries, reducing their

environmental footprint, and ensuring a steady supply

of essential materials. In summary, while

rechargeable batteries are more sustainable than

disposable ones, their overall environmental impact

depends on advancements in recycling technologies

and regulatory frameworks that ensure their safe and

efficient end-of-life management (Endalkac, 2023).

Figure 1. Performance comparison of four kinds of batteries

(Müller & Friedrich, 2006)

4 FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF

RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES

Examining new technologies and advancements in

rechargeable materials should be our first step in

creating better rechargeable batteries. Modern

lithium-ion batteries are inferior to solid-state-

batteries in terms of safety, energy density, and

charging speed. They might completely alter portable

electronics and electric vehicles (Endalkac, 2023).

Research into lithium-sulfur and lithium-air batteries

is also gaining traction, offering the potential for even

greater energy storage capacities, which could

dramatically extend the range of EVs and the lifespan

of portable devices (Endalkac, 2023). Additionally,

advancements in nanotechnology and the use of

advanced materials like graphene are being explored

to improve battery performance, including higher

energy densities and longer lifespans (U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency). The shift towards

sustainable materials is another critical development,

with efforts to create cobalt-free and nickel-free

batteries aimed at reducing the environmental impact

and ethical concerns associated with battery

production (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency).

Global collaboration and significant investments in

research and development by governments,

universities, and private companies are vital to

accelerate the development of next-generation battery

technologies (U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency). Efforts to improve battery recycling

processes and promote a circular economy are also

crucial, ensuring that valuable materials are recovered

and reused, thus enhancing the sustainability of future

battery technologies (Endalkac, 2023).

5 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the rapid advancement of rechargeable

batteries has significantly transformed energy storage

technology. RB technology has advanced

significantly, starting with the lead-acid battery's

introduction and continuing with the creation and

marketing of lithium-ion batteries. These days,

lithium-ion batteries are the best option for portable

electronics and electric cars due to their high energy

density, extended lifespan, and excellent efficiency.

These advancements are accompanied by challenges,

notably the environmental and ethical concerns

associated with the extraction and disposal of

materials like lithium and cobalt. The sustainability

of RBs hinges on effective recycling and the

development of materials which have no negative

effect on environment. Advancements in battery

chemistry, such as the creation of cobalt-free and

nickel-free batteries, aim to reduce the environmental

impact and address resource scarcity issues.

Moreover, innovations like solid-state, lithium-

sulfur, and lithium-air batteries promise to further

enhance energy storage capabilities, safety, and

environmental sustainability. Solid-state-batteries,

for instance, offer more energy per mass unit and

faster charging times, potentially revolutionizing the

electric vehicle market. Future developments in RB

technology are crucial for supporting the global

energy transition. Enhanced recycling processes and

the promotion of a circular economy will be vital in

mitigating environmental hazards and ensuring a

sustainable supply of essential materials. Continued

research, global collaboration, and substantial

investment are necessary to drive these innovations

forward, ensuring that RBs can meet the growing

demand and contribute to a sustainable and energy-

efficient future.

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