My First Co-Authored Paper (CRM’s in Li-ion Battery)

Critical Raw Materials in Lithium-Ion Batteries(You can access the article and presentation slide from the following link.)

https://github.com/ibnchemistry/CRM-s-in-Li-ion-battery

Hello everyone. This semester, I undertook a significant and comprehensive research project as part of the Battery Technologies course at Gebze Technical University. Taking this technical elective in the spring semester of my second year allowed me to deepen my interest and knowledge in battery technologies.

Our Research Project:

Critical Raw Materials in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Our research project was titled “Critical Raw Materials in Lithium-Ion Batteries.” This project was carried out by a team of four, including myself. My three teammates were senior chemical engineering students, while I was a second-year student. Throughout the project, I took on the role of team leader, and together we achieved a successful outcome.

Project Details

In our research, we examined five key elements considered critical raw materials for lithium-ion batteries: Lithium, Graphite, Cobalt, Nickel, and Manganese. We explored each of these elements in detail under separate headings. Our study focused on the following topics:

• Definition of Critical Raw Materials: Why these materials are considered critical and their importance in battery technologies.
• Occurrence and Reserves: The global distribution and current reserves of these elements.
• Extraction Processes: How these elements are obtained and processed.
• Supply Chain: The supply chain and logistics processes of these elements.
• General Information and Future Evaluations: The future potential of these elements and alternative solutions.

We wrote a detailed article spanning 12-13 pages and prepared a 25-30 slide presentation to support our research. We presented this in a 20-minute session to four of our peers and received valuable feedback.

Abstract of our article

This project aims to examine the critical raw materials used in lithium-ion batteries, comprehensively exploring their fundamental principles, operational mechanisms, historical evolution, and elemental composition. Moreover, the study aims to examine the sustainable supply chain and industrial importance of these crucial materials. Additionally, the research delves into sustainability challenges and the environmental and social implications associated with critical raw materials.

Introduction of our article

Batteries are utilized in nearly all aspects of daily lives. While non-rechargeable batteries hold a significant position in our lives, rechargeable batteries seem to be more widely preferred. In secondary batteries, the reversible electrode reaction and cell structure have made rechargeable batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, more appealing. The primary reason for the adoption of lithium-ion battery technology is lithium’s status as the lightest and most electropositive metal, enabling it to provide high energy density. Li-ion batteries demonstrate a consistent life cycle; they can be manufactured in various sizes and require less maintenance compared to other types of batteries. A lithium-ion battery functions as an electrochemical device that both stores and dispenses electrical energy through a reversible process. This process involves the movement of lithium ions between two distinct electrode materials, with a lithium ion-conducting electrolyte solution serving as the medium that separates these electrodes.

Lithium-ion batteries are showing a rising trend among energy storage technologies and aim to transform the energy infrastructure into a more sustainable form than fossil fuels. Many of the batteries used in electric vehicles and grid energy storage have transitioned from Ni-MH batteries to lithium-ion batteries over the years.

Conclusion and Future Plans

This course and project have further solidified my interest in the field of battery technologies. In the future, I plan to conduct more research in this area and share my findings on my website to benefit other students and researchers interested in this topic.

You can access all the documents related to these activities through the following Word files.