Batteries
Technology, Applications and Sustainability
Exploring the fundamental technologies, diverse applications, and sustainable future of battery
systems
October 26, 2025
Introduction to Battery Technology
Fundamental Role
Batteries are fundamental to modern technology and
daily life
Powering everything from portable electronics to
electric vehicles
Enabling grid-scale energy storage systems
Critical in the global transition towards sustainable
energy solutions
Diverse Applications
Portable
Electronics
Electric Vehicles Grid Storage
Medical Devices
Renewable
Energy
Industrial
Applications
2 / 15
How Batteries Work
Anode
(-)
Cathode
(+)
Electrolyte
Electrochemical reactions create electrical energy through ion
movement
Anode (Negative Electrode)
The anode is the electrode where oxidation occurs, releasing
electrons. In lithium-ion batteries, it's typically made of
graphite.
Cathode (Positive Electrode)
The cathode is the electrode where reduction occurs, receiving
electrons. In lithium-ion batteries, it's composed of lithium-
based metal oxides.
Electrolyte
The electrolyte facilitates the movement of ions between the
anode and cathode during charging and discharging,
allowing the battery to function.
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Lithium-Ion Technology
Key Advantages
High Energy Density
Stores significant energy in small, light package
Long Cycle Life
Many charge/discharge cycles before capacity degrades
Low Self-Discharge Rate
Retains charge longer when not in use
Key Components
Anode
typically made of graphite; silicon anodes emerging for
higher energy density
Cathode
Composed of lithium-based metal oxides, such as LFP or
NMC
Electrolyte
Liquid or gel allowing lithium ions to move between anode
and cathode
Separator
Porous membrane preventing direct contact between
anode and cathode
Key Battery Chemistries
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) and Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) are two prominent lithium-ion chemistries, each with distinct
performance characteristics.
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)
Cost Lower
Safety Higher (less prone to thermal runaway)
Energy Density100-150 Wh/kg (CATL 160 Wh/kg)
Cycle Life Higher (excellent longevity)
Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC)
Cost Higher
Safety
Moderate (higher thermal runaway risk with
high Ni content)
Energy DensityHigher (up to 400-500 Wh/kg for Li-metal anodes)
Cycle Life Moderate to High
LFP Applications
Utility-scale energy storage, lower-range EVs, e-mobility
NMC Applications
High-performance EVs, portable electronics, power tools
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Future Trends: Solid-State Batteries
Revolutionary Potential
Enhanced Safety
Replacing flammable liquid electrolytes with solid materials
eliminates the risk of thermal runaway and fire hazards
Higher Energy Density
Up to 2.5 times the energy density of current lithium-ion
batteries
Advanced Anode Compatibility
Pairing with high-capacity anodes like lithium metal or silicon
for further performance improvements
Current Challenges
High Manufacturing Costs
Production expenses remain elevated compared to conventional
lithium-ion batteries
Material Brittleness
Many solid electrolytes are inherently brittle, posing challenges
for manufacturing and durability
Interface Stability
Ensuring stable interfaces during repeated charging and
discharging cycles
Market Adoption Timeline
Widespread commercial adoption still several years away,
though prototypes and niche applications are emerging
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Future Trends: Sodium-Ion Batteries
Key Features
Low-Cost Alternative: Abundant and widely available sodium
material
Good Safety: Stable performance with lower thermal runaway
risk
Energy Density: 100-150 Wh/kg, with CATL reaching 160 Wh/kg
Manufacturing: Similar to LFP batteries, leveraging existing
infrastructure
Applications
Grid Storage Affordable EVs
Energy Density Comparison
Market Potential
Resurgence in interest, especially for grid-scale applications
Manufacturing advantages over lithium-ion
7 / 15
Emerging Battery Innovations
Silicon Anodes
Up to 10x higher
theoretical energy density
than graphite
Significant swelling
during charging impacts
longevity
Calendar Life
3-4 years
Lithium-Sulfur
5x higher theoretical
energy potential than
lithium-ion
"Shuttle effect" and
volume expansion limit
cycle life
Energy Density
~200 Wh/kg
Aluminum-Ion
Ultra-fast charging (under
10 minutes)
Low energy density (60-
100 Wh/kg)
Energy Density
60-100 Wh/kg
Lithium Metal
Anodes
400-500 Wh/kg
theoretical energy density
Challenges with cycle life
and safety
Energy Density
400-500 Wh/kg
Zinc-Air
High energy densities
(300-400 Wh/kg)
Limited rechargeability
and humidity sensitivity
Energy Density
300-400 Wh/kg
These emerging technologies address key limitations of current lithium-ion batteries, offering improvements in energy density, charging
speed, and safety.
8 / 15
Electric Vehicle Applications
Critical Role
Batteries enable vehicles to operate without direct fossil
fuel consumption
Key performance metrics directly influence consumer
adoption
Advanced battery technologies are crucial for vehicle
safety and reliability
Supporting the global transition towards sustainable
transportation
Key Battery Advancements for EVs
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) adoption for cost-
effectiveness and safety
Key Performance Metrics
Range
Driving distance on a single charge,
critical for consumer acceptance
Charging Speed
Rate of energy input, affecting user
convenience and infrastructure
planning
Lifespan
Battery durability and cycle life,
impacting total cost of ownership
Cost
Initial investment and
maintenance, affecting vehicle
affordability
9 / 15
Grid Storage Applications
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Front-of-the-meter systems providing flexibility and stability to
manage increasing renewable energy integration.
Renewable Integration
Stores excess electricity from solar
and wind, releasing it during high
demand.
Energy Arbitrage
Stores electricity during low prices,
discharging during high-price
periods.
Frequency Regulation
Provides rapid response to balance
supply and demand, maintaining
stable AC frequency.
Reserve Capacity
Offers quick backup power if
generating assets go offline.
Voltage Regulation
Injects or absorbs reactive power to
maintain stable voltage levels.
Load Following
Adjusts electricity output in real-time
to match demand fluctuations.
T&D Deferral
Defers costly upgrades to
transmission and distribution
infrastructure.
Black Start
Provides initial power to restart the
grid after a wide-area outage.
10 / 15
Commercial & Residential Applications
"Behind-the-meter" batteries deploy by businesses and homeowners to optimize energy usage, reduce costs, and enhance reliability
Backup Power
Ensure essential operations remain functional
during outages
Demand Charge Reduction
Discharge stored energy during peak periods to
reduce electricity bills
Solar Plus Storage
Store excess solar energy for use during non-
daylight hours
Time-of-Use Management
Charge during low-price periods, discharge during
high-price periods
EV Charging Infrastructure
Support fast charging by storing energy during
off-peak hours
Energy Independence
Reduce reliance on the traditional utility grid
Residential: Small units Commercial: Larger installations
11 / 15
Battery Sustainability: Circular Economy
Key Benefits
Reducing Environmental Impact
Recycling reduces energy use by a factor of nine and greenhouse gas
emissions to 2.4 kg/kg for lithium iron phosphate cathodes
Enhancing Resource Security
Recycling provides a stable, domestic supply of critical materials,
reducing reliance on volatile global markets
Economic Benefits
Recycled materials cost less than virgin materials, with urban-mined
copper costing $3,000 per ton vs. $5,500 via virgin mining
Key Practices
Design for Recycling
Extended Producer
Responsibility
Second-Life Applications Material Recovery & Reuse
Environmental Impact Comparison
Recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to primary production
12 / 15
Battery Recycling Processes
Direct Recycling
Physically separates battery components
Recovers functional cathode structure
Lowest environmental impact
Hydrometallurgical Recycling
Uses aqueous solutions to leach metals
Recovers all key cathode and anode materials
Second lowest environmental impact
Pyrometallurgical Recycling
High-temperature smelting to recover metals
Typically recovers cobalt, nickel, and copper
Destroys lithium and aluminum
GHG Emission Reduction
Comparison of recycling methods in a circular battery scenario
GHG Emission Reduction (%) Source: Circular Battery Scenario
13 / 15
Sustainability Challenges & Policies
Key Challenges
Logistics & Collection
Inefficient collection and transportation of spent batteries due to
inadequate infrastructure
Standardization
Lack of uniform battery designs complicates disassembly and
recycling processes
Economic Feasibility
Volatile metal prices and high capital expenditures for recycling
facilities
Technological Limitations
Existing technologies may not fully extract all valuable components
Regulatory Discrepancies
Varying regulatory frameworks across regions hinder global
collaboration
Policy Approaches
Enforce Legislative Frameworks
Develop Extended Producer Responsibility regulations to hold
manufacturers accountable
Leverage Technological Innovation
Support R&D in AI-driven sorting and advanced hydrometallurgical
techniques
Implement Economic Incentives
Provide tax incentives and grants to companies investing in circular
economy technologies
Promote Infrastructure Development
Invest in modern recycling facilities and efficient logistics networks
Foster Stakeholder Engagement
Facilitate collaboration among industry, government, and academia
14 / 15
Conclusion
Current State
Lithium-ion technology dominates with high energy density and
long cycle life
Industry rapidly evolving with new chemistries and innovations
Future Direction
Continued innovation in new chemistries (solid-state, sodium-
ion)
Enhanced safety, performance, and reduced reliance on critical
materials
Sustainability
Circular economy principles essential for resource security
Advanced recycling processes reduce environmental impact
Electrified Future
Strong focus on sustainability and recycling within battery
lifecycle
B batteries fundamental to global energy transition
"A truly sustainable, electrified future requires innovation in battery technology and responsible stewardship of resources."
15 / 15

Batteries_ Technology, Applications and Sustainability.pptx

  • 1.
    Batteries Technology, Applications andSustainability Exploring the fundamental technologies, diverse applications, and sustainable future of battery systems October 26, 2025
  • 2.
    Introduction to BatteryTechnology Fundamental Role Batteries are fundamental to modern technology and daily life Powering everything from portable electronics to electric vehicles Enabling grid-scale energy storage systems Critical in the global transition towards sustainable energy solutions Diverse Applications Portable Electronics Electric Vehicles Grid Storage Medical Devices Renewable Energy Industrial Applications 2 / 15
  • 3.
    How Batteries Work Anode (-) Cathode (+) Electrolyte Electrochemicalreactions create electrical energy through ion movement Anode (Negative Electrode) The anode is the electrode where oxidation occurs, releasing electrons. In lithium-ion batteries, it's typically made of graphite. Cathode (Positive Electrode) The cathode is the electrode where reduction occurs, receiving electrons. In lithium-ion batteries, it's composed of lithium- based metal oxides. Electrolyte The electrolyte facilitates the movement of ions between the anode and cathode during charging and discharging, allowing the battery to function. 3 / 15
  • 4.
    Lithium-Ion Technology Key Advantages HighEnergy Density Stores significant energy in small, light package Long Cycle Life Many charge/discharge cycles before capacity degrades Low Self-Discharge Rate Retains charge longer when not in use Key Components Anode typically made of graphite; silicon anodes emerging for higher energy density Cathode Composed of lithium-based metal oxides, such as LFP or NMC Electrolyte Liquid or gel allowing lithium ions to move between anode and cathode Separator Porous membrane preventing direct contact between anode and cathode
  • 5.
    Key Battery Chemistries LithiumIron Phosphate (LFP) and Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) are two prominent lithium-ion chemistries, each with distinct performance characteristics. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) Cost Lower Safety Higher (less prone to thermal runaway) Energy Density100-150 Wh/kg (CATL 160 Wh/kg) Cycle Life Higher (excellent longevity) Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) Cost Higher Safety Moderate (higher thermal runaway risk with high Ni content) Energy DensityHigher (up to 400-500 Wh/kg for Li-metal anodes) Cycle Life Moderate to High LFP Applications Utility-scale energy storage, lower-range EVs, e-mobility NMC Applications High-performance EVs, portable electronics, power tools 5 / 15
  • 6.
    Future Trends: Solid-StateBatteries Revolutionary Potential Enhanced Safety Replacing flammable liquid electrolytes with solid materials eliminates the risk of thermal runaway and fire hazards Higher Energy Density Up to 2.5 times the energy density of current lithium-ion batteries Advanced Anode Compatibility Pairing with high-capacity anodes like lithium metal or silicon for further performance improvements Current Challenges High Manufacturing Costs Production expenses remain elevated compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries Material Brittleness Many solid electrolytes are inherently brittle, posing challenges for manufacturing and durability Interface Stability Ensuring stable interfaces during repeated charging and discharging cycles Market Adoption Timeline Widespread commercial adoption still several years away, though prototypes and niche applications are emerging 6 / 15
  • 7.
    Future Trends: Sodium-IonBatteries Key Features Low-Cost Alternative: Abundant and widely available sodium material Good Safety: Stable performance with lower thermal runaway risk Energy Density: 100-150 Wh/kg, with CATL reaching 160 Wh/kg Manufacturing: Similar to LFP batteries, leveraging existing infrastructure Applications Grid Storage Affordable EVs Energy Density Comparison Market Potential Resurgence in interest, especially for grid-scale applications Manufacturing advantages over lithium-ion 7 / 15
  • 8.
    Emerging Battery Innovations SiliconAnodes Up to 10x higher theoretical energy density than graphite Significant swelling during charging impacts longevity Calendar Life 3-4 years Lithium-Sulfur 5x higher theoretical energy potential than lithium-ion "Shuttle effect" and volume expansion limit cycle life Energy Density ~200 Wh/kg Aluminum-Ion Ultra-fast charging (under 10 minutes) Low energy density (60- 100 Wh/kg) Energy Density 60-100 Wh/kg Lithium Metal Anodes 400-500 Wh/kg theoretical energy density Challenges with cycle life and safety Energy Density 400-500 Wh/kg Zinc-Air High energy densities (300-400 Wh/kg) Limited rechargeability and humidity sensitivity Energy Density 300-400 Wh/kg These emerging technologies address key limitations of current lithium-ion batteries, offering improvements in energy density, charging speed, and safety. 8 / 15
  • 9.
    Electric Vehicle Applications CriticalRole Batteries enable vehicles to operate without direct fossil fuel consumption Key performance metrics directly influence consumer adoption Advanced battery technologies are crucial for vehicle safety and reliability Supporting the global transition towards sustainable transportation Key Battery Advancements for EVs Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) adoption for cost- effectiveness and safety Key Performance Metrics Range Driving distance on a single charge, critical for consumer acceptance Charging Speed Rate of energy input, affecting user convenience and infrastructure planning Lifespan Battery durability and cycle life, impacting total cost of ownership Cost Initial investment and maintenance, affecting vehicle affordability 9 / 15
  • 10.
    Grid Storage Applications BatteryEnergy Storage Systems (BESS) Front-of-the-meter systems providing flexibility and stability to manage increasing renewable energy integration. Renewable Integration Stores excess electricity from solar and wind, releasing it during high demand. Energy Arbitrage Stores electricity during low prices, discharging during high-price periods. Frequency Regulation Provides rapid response to balance supply and demand, maintaining stable AC frequency. Reserve Capacity Offers quick backup power if generating assets go offline. Voltage Regulation Injects or absorbs reactive power to maintain stable voltage levels. Load Following Adjusts electricity output in real-time to match demand fluctuations. T&D Deferral Defers costly upgrades to transmission and distribution infrastructure. Black Start Provides initial power to restart the grid after a wide-area outage. 10 / 15
  • 11.
    Commercial & ResidentialApplications "Behind-the-meter" batteries deploy by businesses and homeowners to optimize energy usage, reduce costs, and enhance reliability Backup Power Ensure essential operations remain functional during outages Demand Charge Reduction Discharge stored energy during peak periods to reduce electricity bills Solar Plus Storage Store excess solar energy for use during non- daylight hours Time-of-Use Management Charge during low-price periods, discharge during high-price periods EV Charging Infrastructure Support fast charging by storing energy during off-peak hours Energy Independence Reduce reliance on the traditional utility grid Residential: Small units Commercial: Larger installations 11 / 15
  • 12.
    Battery Sustainability: CircularEconomy Key Benefits Reducing Environmental Impact Recycling reduces energy use by a factor of nine and greenhouse gas emissions to 2.4 kg/kg for lithium iron phosphate cathodes Enhancing Resource Security Recycling provides a stable, domestic supply of critical materials, reducing reliance on volatile global markets Economic Benefits Recycled materials cost less than virgin materials, with urban-mined copper costing $3,000 per ton vs. $5,500 via virgin mining Key Practices Design for Recycling Extended Producer Responsibility Second-Life Applications Material Recovery & Reuse Environmental Impact Comparison Recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to primary production 12 / 15
  • 13.
    Battery Recycling Processes DirectRecycling Physically separates battery components Recovers functional cathode structure Lowest environmental impact Hydrometallurgical Recycling Uses aqueous solutions to leach metals Recovers all key cathode and anode materials Second lowest environmental impact Pyrometallurgical Recycling High-temperature smelting to recover metals Typically recovers cobalt, nickel, and copper Destroys lithium and aluminum GHG Emission Reduction Comparison of recycling methods in a circular battery scenario GHG Emission Reduction (%) Source: Circular Battery Scenario 13 / 15
  • 14.
    Sustainability Challenges &Policies Key Challenges Logistics & Collection Inefficient collection and transportation of spent batteries due to inadequate infrastructure Standardization Lack of uniform battery designs complicates disassembly and recycling processes Economic Feasibility Volatile metal prices and high capital expenditures for recycling facilities Technological Limitations Existing technologies may not fully extract all valuable components Regulatory Discrepancies Varying regulatory frameworks across regions hinder global collaboration Policy Approaches Enforce Legislative Frameworks Develop Extended Producer Responsibility regulations to hold manufacturers accountable Leverage Technological Innovation Support R&D in AI-driven sorting and advanced hydrometallurgical techniques Implement Economic Incentives Provide tax incentives and grants to companies investing in circular economy technologies Promote Infrastructure Development Invest in modern recycling facilities and efficient logistics networks Foster Stakeholder Engagement Facilitate collaboration among industry, government, and academia 14 / 15
  • 15.
    Conclusion Current State Lithium-ion technologydominates with high energy density and long cycle life Industry rapidly evolving with new chemistries and innovations Future Direction Continued innovation in new chemistries (solid-state, sodium- ion) Enhanced safety, performance, and reduced reliance on critical materials Sustainability Circular economy principles essential for resource security Advanced recycling processes reduce environmental impact Electrified Future Strong focus on sustainability and recycling within battery lifecycle B batteries fundamental to global energy transition "A truly sustainable, electrified future requires innovation in battery technology and responsible stewardship of resources." 15 / 15