Design of a systematic value chain for lithium-ion batteries from the raw material perspective

Lucas Weimer, Tobias Braun and Ansgar vom Hemdt

Resources Policy, 2019, vol. 64, issue C

Abstract: Lithium-ion batteries are gaining a pivotal role in the envisaged energy transition of the 21st century. This development causes an increasing interest in battery raw materials such as lithium, nickel or natural graphite. The aggregation of raw-material related steps usually occurs along the upstream value chain of lithium-ion battery cell components. As this does not reflect the actual value creation, raw material-related characteristics and features are often displayed inaccurately and superficially. This paper introduces an integrated definition of value chain stages from the mineral deposit to the production of battery cell components. These value chain stages are exemplary outlined for lithium, nickel and natural graphite synthesis routes. A broad implementation of the proposed definitions facilitates the joint analysis of lithium-ion technology and raw materials by helping to improve collection and quality of data. Life cycle assessments, sustainability analysis or criticality reviews comprise exemplary fields of application.

Keywords: Battery raw material; Lithium-ion-battery; Value chain; Supply chain; Mineral economics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L23 L62 L72 Q31 Q41 Q42 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (11)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:jrpoli:v:64:y:2019:i:c:s030142071930251x

DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2019.101473

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