Environmental and economic assessment of bio-based anode production

Abstract

This study evaluates the environmental and economic impacts of bio-based anode material and its implications for policy researchers and businesses. This study is based on upscaling laboratory work to develop and electrochemically test bio-based alternatives for anode materials.

The study uses biochar synthesised from bark waste via pyrolysis. Electrochemical testing is conducted using biochar as the anode in lithium-ion batteries (LIB) and sodium-ion batteries (NIB). Technical economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) are employed to assess the economic and environmental viability of producing the materials. The findings suggest a trade-off between economic and environmental aspects compared with a conventional anode material. Both aspects are sensitive to the chemicals used during impregnation and acid washing, ZnCl2 and HCl. It shows the importance of securing the chemical supply chain and experimenting with alternative chemicals to reduce impacts without compromising quality. This work also provides a foundation in green energy storage systems and in evidence-based decision-making for related stakeholders.