Exploring the Effect of Increased Energy Density on the Environmental Impacts of Traction Batteries: A Comparison of Energy Optimized Lithium-Ion and Lithium-Sulfur Batteries for Mobility Applications

Cerdas F, Titscher P, Bognar N, Schmuch R, Winter M, Kwade A, Herrmann C

Abstract

The quest towards increasing the energy density of traction battery technologies has ledto the emergence and diversification of battery materials. The lithium sulfur battery (LSB) is in thisregard a promising material for batteries due to its specific energy. However, due to its low volumetricenergy density, the LSB faces challenges in mobility applications such as electric vehicles but alsoother transportation modes. To understand the potential environmental implication of LSB batteries,a comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was performed. For this study, electrodes for both anNMC111 with an anode graphite and a LSB battery cell with a lithium metal foil as anode weremanufactured. Data from disassembly experiments performed on a real battery system for a mid-sizepassenger vehicle were used to build the required life cycle inventory. The energy consumptionduring the use phase was calculated using a simulative approach. A set of thirteen impact categorieswas evaluated and characterized with the ReCiPe methodology. The results of the LCA in this studyallow identification of the main sources of environmental problems as well as possible strategiesto improve the environmental impact of LSB batteries. In this regard, the high requirements ofN-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) for the processing of the sulfur cathode and the thickness of thelithium foil were identified as the most important drivers. We make recommendations for necessaryfurther research in order to broaden the understanding concerning the potential environmentalimplication of the implementation of LSB batteries for mobility applications.

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