Roadmap for the Lifecycle of Advanced Battery Chemistries

Energy storage and recycling are among the most important strategies identified by governments and non-governmental organizations to confront the challenges of developing a more “circular” economy. The need for more efficient batteries to help the energy storage industry meet the changing needs of a growing world population is presenting new opportunities for metals used to make batteries. For the use of these metals to be compatible with the needs of a circular economy, recycling is key to the efficient utilization and conservation of natural resources. Some materials used in the battery industry have been adapted to the needs of a circular economy more successfully than others. Lead is the most recycled of all metals, with a battery recycling rate of 99%. The lessons learned from the utilization of a highly-recycled metal such as lead must be considered a model for the development of batteries made with other metals.