Environmental and economic assessment of bio-based anode production

Abstract This study evaluates the environmental and economic impacts of bio-based anode material and its implications for policy researchers and businesses. This study is based on upscaling laboratory work to develop and electrochemically test bio-based alternatives for anode materials. The study uses biochar synthesised from bark waste via pyrolysis. Electrochemical testing is conducted using biochar as the anode in lithium-ion batteries (LIB) and sodium-ion batteries (NIB). Technical economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) are employed to assess the economic and environmental viability of producing the materials. The findings suggest a trade-off between economic and environmental aspects compared with a conventional anode material. Both aspects are sensitive to the chemicals used during impregnation and acid washing, ZnCl 2 and HCl. It shows the importance of securing the chemical supply chain and experimenting with alternative chemicals to reduce impacts without compromising quality. This work also provides a foundation in green energy storage systems and in evidence-based decision-making for related stakeholders. Graphical Abstract