Alarming truth: Lithium batteries can be an environmental disaster

A recent study published on July 8 in the journal Nature indicates that lithium batteries used in everyday devices and renewable energy storage may emit more chemicals in the environment, exacerbating the problem of soil and water pollution.

Lithium-ion batteries can be a source of "permachemical" emissions - a term that refers to the presence of thousands of different types of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

For decades, 'permanent chemicals' have been used to help give devices better resistance to water, dirt and heat. Recently, bis-perfluoroalkyl sulfonimid (bis-FASIs), a specific subtype of PFAS, has been used as an electrolyte and binder in lithium batteries.

Around battery manufacturing facilities globally, researchers have discovered bis-FASIs are appearing more frequently in soil, sediment, water and snow. They also found bis-FASIs in liquid leaking from battery landfills.

Lithium batteries, from the moment they are created until they are completely decomposed, are a potential persistent chemical pollutant.

There are currently no regulations specifically for handling this type of chemical. PFAS are being used in many items, from non-stick pans, food packaging, fabric protectors to dental floss, so their harmful effects on the environment as well as human health are being underestimated.

Lithium batteries are increasingly popular for the electric vehicle and clean energy industries. The study authors discovered bis-FASI in 11 battery types when testing 17 different battery types used in laptops, smartphones, tablets, and electric vehicles.

This research aims to draw attention to PFAS chemicals, which can be easily found in the environment but are often overlooked, and importantly raise awareness of the life-cycle impacts of lithium batteries.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 13 July 2024