The Global Lithium Battery Market: Growth and Trends

Li-ion (Li-ion) batteries can be used in multiple products, including electronics, battery-powered industrial equipment, wireless headphones, household appliances, and energy storage systems. Innovative Li-ion battery manufacturing and recycling techniques are being commercialized rapidly, significantly increasing global demand.1

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Li-Ion Batteries: Current Market Dynamics

Over the past ten years, Li-ion batteries have gained popularity in domestic and industrial applications. Their superior charge density and ability to store electric energy are the core reasons for their success.

Their superior energy density means these batteries can store much higher energy than traditional products, using much less material and in a much smaller volume. This makes them a popular choice for small, wearable, and portable products.

The market value of the Li-ion battery industry was about 54.4 billion U.S. dollars in . With the enhanced demand for lithium batteries, experts predict this market will grow steadily, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 20.3 % from -.2

The automotive sector is the primary client of Lio-ion batteries and holds the most development potential. Thanks to the improved capabilities and low cost of Lio-ion batteries, electric vehicle (EV) registrations are expected to expand exponentially worldwide.

The U.S. is at the forefront of this market, with increasing EV sales driven by favorable regulations and numerous private operators. By , 64 % of total lightweight vehicles in the U.S. are expected to be powered using LIBs.3

Among the major Lio-ion battery manufacturing companies, Albemarle Corporation (ALB) generates the highest profit, with a market value of 18.1 billion U.S. dollars.4 Other key players, such as LG Energy Solutions from South Korea, Japan-based industrial giant Toshiba Corporation, and Arcadium Lithium PLC, are the frontrunners in Lio-ion battery development worldwide.

Technological Advancements: More Efficient and Powerful Li-Ion Batteries

Novel types of lithium batteries are emerging every month, with lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries currently dominating the market. China is the leading manufacturer of LFP batteries, producing nearly 95 % of those installed in light-duty vehicles (LDVs).

Supply chains for sodium-ion batteries, which do not contain lithium, are also being established, with over 100 GWh of manufacturing capacity operating or announced (primarily in China).5

With its dominance in LFP battery chemistries, China's CATL produces the majority of truck batteries. LFP batteries' durability and lower cost make them the most preferred alternative to conventional Li-ion batteries.

All-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs), which rely on solid electrolytes, are also gaining popularity as they are much safer to operate. Most manufacturers utilize sulfide electrolytes with high ionic conductivity for their highly efficient operational capability.

However, the significant electronic conductivities of sulfide electrolytes (approximately 10-8 S cm-1) facilitate smooth electron transport through the electrolyte pellets, leading to the direct deposition of lithium dendrites at the grain boundaries (GBs) and causing serious self-discharge.

Researchers have recently introduced a grain-boundary electronic insulation (GBEI) strategy to prevent electron transport across grain boundaries (GBs).6 This approach enables Li&#;Li symmetric cells to exhibit thirty times longer cycling lives. It also gives the full cells a self-discharging rate three times lower than pristine sulfide electrolytes.

The Li&#;LiCoO2 ASSLBs demonstrate high-capacity retention of 80 % after 650 cycles and maintain stable cycling performance for over cycles at a current density of 0.5&#;mA&#;cm-2.

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Challenges and Future Innovations in Lithium Batteries

While lithium batteries offer impressive functionality, they are not without limitations. Lithium extraction poses significant environmental risks, such as depleting underground water levels.7 Lio-ion batteries also pose fire safety hazards, underscoring the need for prompt solutions to facilitate their swift commercialization.8  

Recent innovations are expected to shape the future of lithium batteries, with the integration of new materials playing a crucial role in enhancing energy density and reducing raw material expenses, thereby lowering cell and pack costs.

Among these innovations, novel electrolyte chemistries are top of the list. These formulations are vital for developing next-generation negative and positive electrode active materials for lithium battery manufacturing.

Academic and industrial researchers are developing customized liquid electrolyte formulations, including fluorinated solvents, to promote efficient lithium metal cycling.9 Companies are also investing in novel and efficient lithium extraction techniques that significantly reduce costs and meet progressing performance requirements.

Considering the advancements in lithium battery development, the increasing trend in their utilization is expected to grow exponentially.

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References and Further Reading

[1] U.S. Environment Protection Agency. (). Know the Facts: Lithium-Ion Batteries. [Online] E.P.A. Available at: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/-09/Lithium-Ion-Batteries-Fact-Sheet-8-.pdf (Accessed on May 02, ).

[2] Grand View Research. (). Lithium-ion Battery Market Size & Trends. [Online] Grand View Research. Available at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/lithium-ion-battery-market (Accessed on May 02, ).

[3] Eftekhari, Ali. (). Lithium batteries for electric vehicles: from economy to research strategy. ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. doi.org/10./acssuschemeng.8b

[4] Reeves, J. (). 7 Best Lithium Stocks Of May . [Online] Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/best-lithium-stocks/ (Accessed on May 03, ).

[5] International Energy Agency. (). Global EV Outlook : Catching up with climate ambitions. (Online). Available on: https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/dacf14d2-eabc-498a--9f97fd5dc327/GEVO.pdf (Accessed on May 03, ).

[6] Yang, X., et al. (). Grain boundary electronic insulation for high&#;performance all&#;solid&#;state lithium batteries. Angewandte Chemie. doi.org/10./ange.

[7] Anderson, K. (). The Harmful Effects of our Lithium Batteries. [Online]. Greenly. (Online). Available at: https://greenly.earth/en-us/blog/ecology-news/the-harmful-effects-of-our-lithium-batteries (Accessed on May 04, ).

[8] American Society of Safety Professionals. (). Lithium-Ion Batteries: How to Overcome Current and Future Safety Challenges. [Online] American Society of Safety Professionals. Available at: https://www.assp.org/news-and-articles/lithium-ion-batteries-how-to-overcome-current-and-future-safety-challenges (Accessed on May 04, ).

[9] Frith, J, et al. (). A non-academic perspective on the future of lithium-based batteries. Nat Commun. doi.org/10./s-023--2

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