The inherent high cost of some critical metals and elements has driven initiatives to search for alternatives, writes Dr Nicolaas C. Steenkamp, as he explores the nuances of an evolving critical mission in battery chemistry.
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Lofty ambitions of largely replacing internal combustion engine vehicles with electric vehicles (EVs) by the end of the decade promises to rewrite the transportation landscape, however beneath the glossy veneer lies a hidden vulnerability – dependence on expensive and resource-limited metals like cobalt and lithium. The soaring costs and ethical concerns surrounding their extraction threaten to stall the EV revolution in its tracks. Recognising this precarious situation, the scientific community is embarking on a critical mission of adapting EV battery chemistry to reduce reliance on these problematic elements.
Prior to the collapse of the cobalt price early in 2023, there was a call to embark on decoupling from cobalt. Cobalt’s role in lithium-ion batteries, the ubiquitous workhorse of EVs, is multifaceted. It enhances thermal stability, improves cycle life, and boosts energy density – all crucial for high-performance applications. However, its limited geological abundance and ethical concerns when it comes to mining practices, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, necessitate a shift away from its dominance. These concerns are however being addressed by initiatives like the Battery Passport.
Several strategies are emerging to combat cobalt dependence. Nickel-rich cathodes, containing less cobalt, are already seeing widespread adoption, albeit with trade-offs in stability and cost. Layered oxide cathodes incorporating manganese and vanadium hold promise for further cobalt reduction, offering improved affordability and environmental responsibility.
While promising, these alternatives often lag behind conventional lithium-ion batteries in energy density and cycle life, impacting driving range and battery lifespan. Additionally, some manganese-based materials exhibit voltage decay over time, requiring further research for optimisation.
Lithium also experienced a dramatic drop in value in Q4 of 2023. The dependency on lithium has its own set of challenges. Its scarcity and volatile price fluctuations raise concerns about long-term supply stability. Moreover, the environmental footprint of lithium extraction, particularly from brine pools, necessitates responsible sourcing practices.
Reducing lithium content without compromising energy density is a primary focus. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, already popular in China, offer lower lithium requirements while boasting excellent safety and longevity, though their energy density falls short of some high-performance applications. Additionally, research into solid-state electrolytes, which would allow for the use of lithium metal anodes with significantly higher theoretical capacity, holds immense potential for further lithium decoupling.
Solid-state electrolyte technology is still in its infancy, facing challenges with scalability and manufacturing costs. Furthermore, lithium metal anodes pose fire risks that require robust safety measures to be addressed.
The introduction of a range of alternative battery chemistries are emerging as potential game-changers. Sodium-ion batteries, utilising abundant and inexpensive sodium resources, offer a cost-effective option for stationary applications and grid storage. Redox flow batteries, with their inherent safety and modular design, excel in large-scale energy storage but their lower energy density limits their use in EVs.
Sodium-ion batteries show promise for budget-friendly EVs, particularly in regions with limited lithium resources. Research into advanced cathode materials is continuously improving their energy density and performance. Redox flow batteries offer a viable alternative for grid storage and renewable energy integration, contributing to decarbonisation efforts.
The soaring costs of cobalt and lithium, and ethical concerns surrounding
their extraction threaten to stall the EV revolution in its tracks Image by Freepik
However, sodium-ion batteries currently lag behind lithium-ion in energy density and charging speeds, requiring further breakthroughs for widespread EV adoption. Redox flow batteries’ bulky design and lower energy density limit their portability, making them less suitable for mobile applications.
The sustainability imperative has drawn more than its fair share of public opinion, scrutiny and criticism. The quest for alternative battery chemistries extends beyond mere element swapping. Ethical sourcing practices, efficient recycling loops and exploration of abundant and sustainable materials are crucial for a truly green revolution. Additionally, minimising energy consumption during battery production and maximising battery lifespans through innovative repair and refurbishment methods are vital for minimising environmental impact.
No single alternative battery technology holds the definitive answer. The future lies in a diversified approach, tailoring battery choices to specific applications and regions based on factors like resource availability, cost, performance and environmental footprint. Collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers is essential to foster innovation, accelerate research, and implement responsible resource management practices.
The twist is that cobalt and lithium both experienced sharp drops in value during the latter part of 2023. The drop in cobalt and lithium prices in 2023 had a significant impact on the mining sector, bringing both challenges and opportunities for different players.
Lower prices squeezed profit margins for many mining companies, particularly those with high production costs or high levels of debt, and where high cobalt prices were key to stay in business and profitable. This led to reduced investments in exploration, development and expansion projects. Several mining companies has started with retrenchment drives to reduce their workforce to adapt to the lower revenue. This have already had severe economic consequences for mining communities and countries dependent on cobalt and lithium exports.
The price volatility and uncertainty surrounding future demand creates difficulty for long-term planning and investment decisions. This can hinder the industry’s growth and stability. As margins get tighter, competition within the mining sector intensifies. This could lead to pressure to cut corners on environmental and safety standards, raising concerns about ethical practices.
There are however potential opportunities for the mining sector. The challenging market conditions could accelerate consolidation within the industry, with stronger operations acquiring smaller or struggling operations to consolidate and increase the stability of their position in the international market. This could lead to increased efficiency and cost-optimisation in the long run and a shift towards efficiency and technology as the lower prices incentivise innovation and cost-saving strategies. Companies might invest in more efficient mining and processing technologies to maintain profitability.
The drop in cobalt and lithium prices could encourage miners to diversify their operations and explore other potentially lucrative minerals. This could reduce dependence on specific volatile markets and create a more resilient business model. Additionally, the lower prices could incentivise miners to prioritise responsible and sustainable practices to improve their public image and attract investors. This could lead to better environmental and social outcomes for mining communities.
Overall, the impact of the price drop in 2023 was mixed. While it presented challenges for many mining companies, it also opened doors for innovation, consolidation and responsible practices. The long-term outcome will depend on how both companies and governments adapt to the evolving market conditions and prioritise sustainability, creating a future where the mining sector can support a clean and equitable energy transition.