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Construction and Testing of Coin Cells of Lithium Ion Batteries
Published on: August 2, 2012
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Exploring the potential for improving material utilization efficiency to secure lithium supply for China's battery
Xin Sun1,2,3, Han Hao1,3, Yong Geng4
1State Key Laboratory of Automotive Safety and Energy, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
Fundamental Research
|June 27, 2024
Summary
Improving lithium supply chain efficiency is crucial for climate change mitigation. This study reveals significant growth in lithium use and stock in China, highlighting the need for better material utilization and recycling to reduce import dependency.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are vital for climate change mitigation.
- Concerns exist regarding the sustainability of the LIB supply chain.
- Material utilization efficiency in the LIB supply chain requires thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the material utilization efficiency of the lithium supply chain in China.
- To conduct a dynamic material flow analysis of lithium in China from 2015 to 2021.
Main Methods:
- Dynamic material flow analysis (MFA).
- Analysis of lithium flow, consumption, and stock in China.
- Assessment of import/export dynamics and material losses.
Main Results:
- Lithium flow in domestic production increased by 614% (to 100 kt).
- End-use consumption rose by 160% (to 35 kt), and in-use stock grew by 62% (to 195 kt).
- China experienced a net import dependency of 27%-86%, with 103 kt lost or in inventory.
Conclusions:
- Urgent improvement in material utilization efficiency is necessary to secure lithium resources.
- Optimizing inventory, processing, developing substitutes, and enhancing recycling can reduce net import dependency.
- Securing lithium resource supply is critical for sustainable LIB technology.
