In today's world, batteries are the primary source of energy powering countless devices. They are responsible for the efficient storage and later release of energy. However, we rarely wonder what batteries actually consist of and how many valuable metals they are made of. Today we will look at what they are responsible for and how much the individual metals that make up the batteries are worth.
The development of the batteries and accumulators industry is one of the most important priorities, responsible for the possibility of providing solutions in countless sectors - automotive, small household appliances, IT, telecommunications and other electrical equipment. This is justified, given the characteristic features of the battery, which are the ability to store energy, including storage from renewable sources, the potential to release this energy on demand, as well as the availability.
All this is connected with the composition of the battery, and in particular metals, which are responsible for the uniqueness of the potential of these components. The metals in batteries have been selected for the specific electrochemical properties by which it is possible to generate current. However, this is not all. Each metal has a specific function, and the absence of any element would result in faulty or insufficiently efficient operation. Let's find out what the specific metals that make up the battery are responsible for.
Let's start with lithium, which is by far the most important component of all batteries - especially lithium-ion ones. Lithium is a fundamental example of a battery component that allows efficient power not only for electrical appliances, but above all for modern electric cars. We owe this primarily to features such as the possibility of fast charging and high density, which goes hand in hand with a very low weight.
Can lithium be replaced with something? At this point, when viewed through the prism of the production of batteries and other battery devices, it is lithium that seems to be the metal for which the demand continues to grow. This is not only related to the development of the industry, but to more and more recent applications of batteries, of which the automotive market is a perfect example.
Cobalt is another precious metal that is appreciated primarily for its performance and for improving the overall safety of battery use. While maintaining battery life and safety, cobalt increases energy density in small batteries, making the metal a great solution for the production of electric cars, IT equipment or smartphones.
So why the controversy? They are mainly related to mining, the largest part of which takes place in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Much is said about the high social costs of cobalt mining - human rights violations, inefficient management of environmental protection in mining areas, as well as the exploitation of children for work. These controversies provide the basis for an active search for an alternative material (LFP is most often mentioned) that could reduce the industry's dependence on cobalt. It is also worth remembering that cobalt, in cooperation with https://www.wastesservice.com/ can be recycled, which has already been announced by leading brands of electronic equipment.
Another precious metal is nickel, which in lithium-ion batteries significantly increases the performance and life of the component. For what reason? Through the possibility of concentrating energy in the metal. Thanks to this, in combination with other metals used in the manufacture of batteries, cathode materials are produced, thanks to which the storage of lithium ions is significantly increased.
It is worth mentioning, by the way, other uses of nickel in batteries. High density affects the ability to reduce the overall weight of the battery, which is extremely important in modern devices and equipment, where low weight affects the competitiveness of the product. Let's also remember to improve the electrical conductivity and improve the stability of the entire battery structure. This gives us a specific advantage - a longer use of one battery without the risk of any failures.
The energy transformation we are witnessing focuses on many aspects of obtaining and storing electricity efficiently. This also applies to the battery industry and the challenges of limited resources of the previously mentioned cobalt and nickel. Are we able to offer a viable alternative that is not lacking? The answer is manganese.
Manganese is one of the 5 most common elements on the planet, which, according to many expert opinions, can be appointed as a basis for the construction of completely new cathode materials. The use of manganese is also supported by ideal parameters - the ability to store the same amount of electricity and a stable structure that positively affects the service life of the component.
Describing the composition of batteries, we must also not forget about the fundamental components, which are copper and aluminum. It is thanks to them that batteries and accumulators are characterized by such high electrical and thermal conductivity. Depending on the specifics, only one of these two metals is often used.
Studies clearly show that copper conducts electricity better and dissipates heat, which is especially important for the operation of those devices that are prone to rapid heating. On the other hand, aluminum is a cheaper and lighter material, which is the key to creating a battery that meets the needs of demanding customers. The choice between copper and aluminum is therefore determined by the specificity of the battery design, however, in both cases, the high conductivity makes this metal the most important element in the composition of any battery for many.
Finally, we will touch on the topic of rare earth metals (REE). It is a group of 17 elements, which are found in minerals, which are found in the vast majority of which are in the earth's crust. Currently, their extraction is mainly concentrated in China, the United States and Russia.
The use of rare earth metals is expanding every year, covering, among others, industries such as electronics, optics, aerospace, and energy. Commonly, rare earth metals are associated with the production of neodymium magnets, although they are also found in the production of batteries and catalysts. As you can see, batteries are extremely complex elements, thanks to which we are able to use so many amenities of everyday life.
