Toward improved sustainability in lithium ion batteries using bio-based materials

The fabrication of lithium ion batteries (LIBs) depends strongly on the toxic polyvinylidene fluoride as a binder and N-methyl-pyrrolidone as a processing solvent. Meanwhile, the electrolytes for LIBs contain lithium hexafluorophosphate, which is potentially flammable or can leak out toxic gases. As a result, there is a need for alternative materials that offer a safer technology for human and environmental health, and that are also more cost-effective. This review summarises critical aspects of biomaterial-based LIB development and organises a comprehensive discussion on progress. First, the structures of the bio-based materials and their contribution to improving LIB efficiency will be explored. Second, biomaterialbased components in LIBs, such as binders, electrolytes, and separators, will be extensively discussed, in relation to the design, performance, and structure-activity relationships of LIBs.