Green Battery Revolution for Sustainable Development

Dear Colleagues,

The global shift towards decarbonization and renewable energy adoption is transforming the energy landscape. As intermittent renewable energy sources such as solar and wind become increasingly dominant, energy storage technologies have emerged as indispensable components of modern energy systems. Among these, electrochemical batteries—especially lithium–ion batteries (LIBs)—have revolutionized portable electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), and grid-scale energy storage.

However, the rapid deployment of battery technologies has raised significant sustainability concerns, including the following:

• The environmental impact of mining critical raw materials (e.g., lithium, cobalt, nickel);
• The carbon footprint associated with battery production and transportation;
• The growing volume of battery waste;
• Social and ethical issues in supply chains, particularly related to cobalt extraction.

The recent literature [e.g., Gaines (2018); IEA (2021); Zeng et al. (2022)] highlights that while batteries are key enablers of low-emission technologies, their production and disposal can undermine the very environmental goals they aim to support. This paradox necessitates a shift towards what is termed “green battery technologies”—battery systems that are sustainable across their entire life cycle, from raw material sourcing to end-of-life management.

Green battery research encompasses a wide array of disciplines, including materials science, environmental engineering, systems integration, and policy development. Scientific innovations such as solid-state electrolytes, sodium–ion and zinc-based chemistries, and recyclable battery architectures are gaining traction as viable alternatives or complements to current LIB technologies. Additionally, frameworks such as life cycle assessment (LCA) and circular economy principles are being integrated into the design and evaluation of battery systems.

The importance of this research area is underscored by the following:

• Global efforts to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production);
• National and regional policies promoting battery recycling mandates, critical mineral strategies, and net-zero emissions targets;
• The increasing demand for resilient, ethical, and sustainable supply chains for energy materials.

This research aims to contribute to the scientific and technological foundations of green battery solutions by investigating [e.g., low-impact electrode materials, scalable recycling methods, second-life applications, etc.]. Ultimately, the goal is to advance battery systems that not only deliver high performance but also align with long-term environmental, economic, and social sustainability.

The aim of this Special Issue is to explore the latest advances in green battery technologies and their role in promoting sustainable development across energy systems, material cycles, and policy frameworks. It seeks to provide a multidisciplinary platform for researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers to present original research, critical reviews, and emerging innovations that address the environmental, technical, and socio-economic challenges associated with current and future battery technologies.

Key objectives include the following:

• Promoting the development of eco-friendly and recyclable battery materials;
• Supporting innovations in low-carbon battery manufacturing;
• Evaluating life cycle and circular economy strategies;
• Advancing second-life battery applications and reuse pathways;
• Informing policy mechanisms for responsible battery deployment.

This Special Issue directly aligns with the scope of Sustainability, which focuses on sustainable energy technologies, environmental science, green chemistry, materials innovation, energy policy, etc. As green battery solutions intersect with numerous sustainability-driven domains—ranging from clean energy transitions and critical raw materials management to climate mitigation and resource circularity—they represent a timely and high-impact area of inquiry within the Journal’s broader mission.

By fostering cross-sector dialogue and knowledge exchange, this Special Issue will contribute to a deeper scientific understanding of how next-generation battery systems can be designed, manufactured, utilized, and recovered in a way that supports long-term planetary health, economic resilience, and social equity.

Suggested Themes

1. Sustainable Battery Materials and Chemistries. Development of low-impact or earth-abundant materials (e.g., sodium–ion, zinc–ion, solid-state batteries); Substitution of critical/mined elements (e.g., cobalt- and nickel-free cathodes); Bio-inspired or biodegradable battery components.
2. Green Manufacturing and Eco-Design of Batteries. Energy- and resource-efficient production processes; Green solvents, binders, and electrode fabrication techniques; Life cycle design and material selection for minimal environmental footprint.
3. Battery Recycling, Reuse, and Circular Economy Approaches. Mechanical, hydrometallurgical, and direct recycling innovations; Second-life applications for EV and stationary batteries; Circular value chains and extended producer responsibility (EPR).
4. Environmental and Social Life Cycle Assessment (LCA/S-LCA). Comparative LCA of battery chemistries and technologies; Carbon footprint and water use assessment across battery life cycle; Social and ethical sourcing of battery materials.
5. Policy, Regulation, and Governance for Green Batteries. Global and national battery regulation frameworks (e.g., EU Battery Directive); Incentives for recycling, reuse, and sustainable procurement; Responsible sourcing and traceability of raw materials.
6. Integration with Renewable Energy and Grid Storage. Sustainable battery applications in solar/wind energy systems; Role of green batteries in off-grid and rural electrification; Energy storage systems designed for circular use and recycling.
7. Digital Tools and Innovation for Battery Sustainability. AI and digital twins for battery condition monitoring and reuse; Blockchain for material traceability and responsible sourcing; Techno-economic modeling of sustainable battery solutions.
8. Industrial and Emerging Market Perspectives. Commercial strategies for implementing green battery practices; Challenges and opportunities in developing economies; Case studies of successful green battery deployment.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome.

Research areas may include (but not limited to) the following:   

• Development of sustainable and low-impact battery chemistries (e.g., sodium–ion, zinc–ion, and solid-state systems);
• Green and energy-efficient battery manufacturing techniques;·
• Eco-design principles for battery cells, modules, and systems;
• Battery recycling technologies, including mechanical, pyrometallurgical, and hydrometallurgical methods;
• Second-life battery applications and reuse strategies in mobility, grid, and off-grid systems;
• Life cycle assessment (LCA), techno-economic analysis, and carbon footprint evaluation of batteries;
• Circular economy models and business strategies for sustainable battery deployment;
• Policy frameworks, regulations, and incentives for responsible battery value chains;
• Ethical and traceable sourcing of critical raw materials;
• Digital innovations for battery health monitoring, traceability, and supply chain transparency;
• Integration of green batteries with renewable energy systems and smart grids;
• Environmental and socio-economic impacts of battery technologies across their life cycle.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Lisha Dong
Guest Editor

Dr. Xiangning Bu
Dr. Zehua Wang
Dr. Xin Lyu
Guest Editor Assistants

Manuscript Submission Information

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• energy storage
• sustainable materials
• battery recycling
• carbon footprint
• renewable energy
• lithium–ion alternatives
• circular economy
• environmental impact
• green technology
• clean energy transition