Next generation sustainable lithium-ion batteries: Micro and nanostructured materials and processes

• Sustainable materials for the different components of lithium-ion batteries are presented. • The main processes for the preparation of the different battery components are discussed focusing on their sustainability. • Environmental impact of materials and processes, recycling methods and circular economy considerations are discussed. • Future needs in the area of sustainable lithium-ion batteries are emphasized. There is a drive to reduce fossil fuels dependence of society through the implementation of eco-friendlier renewable energy generation systems. However, the energy generated from renewable sources must be properly managed to guarantee the daily energy supply in different scenarios and conditions. To achieve that, energy storage systems, such as electrochemical batteries, can be implemented due to their high performance. Lithium-ion batteries are widely used energy storage systems for a variety of applications including smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, or home storage systems. However, an increasing dependence on this technology will also lead to an increasing demand for lithium and other materials required for battery manufacturing, placing pressure on environmental issues that modern society faces nowadays and on the policies regarding decarbonization and reduction of greenhouse gases emissions. Physical and chemical properties of the materials present in batteries are responsible for their behavior and electrochemical performance, being therefore interesting the development of more sustainable materials for a next generation of environmentally friendlier batteries. In this scope, a comprehensive state-of-the-art on sustainable materials and processes for the different components of lithium-ion batteries is presented with a focus on environmental impact and sustainability. The characteristics of active materials for anode and cathode, their microstructures, processing and integration techniques, allowing to enhance the electrochemical performance of batteries, are discussed. Regarding separators, the sustainable membranes as well as solid electrolytes are presented and discussed. Further, the main processes for the fabrication of the different battery components are addressed, focusing on environmental impact, recycling methods and circular economy considerations.