Research Proposal: Examining Graphene Battery Benefits & Impacts

This research proposal investigates the advantages of graphene batteries over traditional lithium-ion batteries, addressing the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions. The study explores the environmental impact of current battery technologies, highlighting issues such as resource depletion, pollution, and waste disposal. The proposal outlines research objectives, including the comparison of graphene batteries' charge density, lifespan, and environmental footprint. The methodology involves a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative data from battery industries with qualitative literature reviews. The research aims to provide insights into the feasibility of graphene battery adoption, considering factors like material availability, manufacturing processes, and potential cost-effectiveness. The report also touches on the ethical considerations and limitations of the study, along with a schedule of activities and references. The core argument is that graphene batteries offer a more sustainable and efficient alternative, aligning with global efforts to reduce environmental impact and promote cleaner energy sources. The research also highlights the potential for technological advancements in the battery industry to enhance environmental conservation and improve product quality.

Running head: Research Proposal
Examining the Benefits of Graphene Batteries through a Comparative Analysis of
Various Battery Types
Name of Student
Name of Institution
Name of Course
Date of Submission

Research Proposal
Table of Contents
Introduction………………………………………………………………………..3
Project objectives………………………………………………………………….4
Project Background and Significance……………………………………………..5
Feasibility of the Project…………………………………………………………..11
Methodology………………………………………………………………………14
Limitations………………………………………………………………………...15
Ethical considerations……………………………………………………………..15
Schedule of activities and Gantt chart…………………………………………….16
References………………………………………………………………………...17

Research Proposal
Introduction
In the last four decades the technology has been at its peak. The invention of
nano technology made it possible to mass production and manufacturing new
gadgets/portable devices like CD/MP3 player, smart phones, laptops, hoverboards etc.
Huge number of gadgets/portable devices are produced to enable us to have fun and
stay in touch with work place and families across the globe. All of this would not
have been possible if it was not for the existence of Lithium-ion batteries which have
a lifespan of 3 years even when kept unused. Such technologies have led to adverse
impacts on the environment in terms of air, water, loss of resources, forced migration
of indigenes people, exploitation of the land, huge increases in energy consumption in
manufacturing of Lithium-ion batteries, disposal and recycling of the product. We
should all be concerned about environmental impacts Lithium-ion batteries have on
our planet and focus the importance of performing the batteries life cycle assessment
(LCA), and if possible, make batteries that does not have any negative impact up on
the environment.

Research Proposal
Project objectives
The main objective of this research project shall be to highlight the benefits of using
grapheme batteries in comparison to other battery types. Other objectives include:
 To outline the environmental impacts of other battery forms and discuss the
technological adjustments which could be made to improve quality, life and
effectiveness
 To discuss the possible technological strategies which could be implemented
in battery industries to enhance environmental conservation, product quality
and better returns on investment at a relatively low cost of production
 To make recommendations on the proper organizational transitions which
would see the world in future enjoy cleaner energy and maintain a cleaner
environment.

Research Proposal
Project Background and Significance
Roskill (2017) they state facts about the global demand for power reservoir
such as batteries and supper capacitors. As mentioned by the author, the lithium-ion
battery is projected to dominate the market by 2025 hence the need to adequately
address the impacts related with the product. The increase in the number of
applications used commercially and domestically that needs batteries to operate them.
All the above has increased the pressure on land to excavating more raw material and
loss of resources. The governments around the world are pushing for more hybrid
vehicles this will put even more strain on the resources. We now need to find a
solution to meet the worlds demand.

Research Proposal
Table 1
Table indicating the main producers, source of import into EU, substitutability
index as well as recycling rate of natural graphite, silicon metal, cobalt and
lithium. Lebedeva, Di Persio and Boon-Brett, 2016)
Today, Graphene batteries are a more favourable choice of batteries than the Lithium-
ion batteries. It quickly become apparent or prominent technology that allows for
faster cycle times, increased electrode density. The lifespan is also enhanced by the
battery’s ability to hold power longer.

Research Proposal
Table 2
Table showing Global Lithium-Ion Battery Market Size and Forecast between
2015- 2024 (Varient Market Reasearch, 2018)
Lithium-ion batteries have been established for many years and come in
various forms. Currently the life cycle of Lithium-ion batteries is two to three years,
even if they stay unused for this period of time. The global impact of manufacturing
these batteries include environmental effects both on air and water, loss of resources,
forced migration of indigenes people and exploitation of the land (Lebedeva, DI
Persio and Boon-Brett, 2016)
To examine the benefits of Graphene batteries (solid state batteries), charge density,
life cycle and carry out a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the
facts.

Research Proposal
 The true graphene battery successes are expected from graphene-lithium-ion
hybrid chemistries included into new design cells.
 Graphene batteries are not only durable but also light with high capacity
energy storage.
 Graphene based electrodes are manufactured using a small portion of the
carbon used in conventional electrodes. This increases its lifetime.
 Safety: Bigger particles are thermally stable, and the good thermal
conductivity reduces any temperature gradients hindering thermal run away in
large energy cells.
 Graphene has a better lithium storage capacity. This leads to more Li storage
per unit mass and longer life before the cell is recharged. (CheapTubes, 2018)

Research Proposal
Table 3
Comparative of principal existing battery technologies (Grabat, 2016)
After intensive researching online and YouTube it was discovered that many
governments across the globe are pushing for cleaner energy and greener
environment. Consequently, big companies are taking interest, making big changes
and staying in the forefront to ensure that that the battery industry does not only
produce high quality products but also ensures that these processes lead to minimal
impacts on the environment. It is projected that by 2025 many western countries will
stop gas and diesel car from entering the city which will lead to people moving
towards electrical cars rather than conventional combustion cars that run on facial
fuel.
We are not far from solid state battery that can run the world. It will be more cost-
effective and efficient to have our applications run primarily on graphene batteries
(solid stat batteries).

Research Proposal
In the world of batteries there are countless companies across the globe that are
working hard to improve their batteries to make them smaller in area/M 2, bigger in
charge density, longer lifespan and faster charging cycle.
Intensive research was carried out online to find out the amount of Li-ion batteries
that are produced each year. I couldn’t find one liable source to be able to get the
figures/facts. However, there are billions of Li-ion batteries produced and used
worldwide in commercial and domestic appliances. The lifespan is short in
comparison to graphene batteries.
Table 4: Summary of environmental problem associated with Lithium battery
(Recyclia, 2015)

Research Proposal
According to recyclia there are many problems when batteries are not recycled
properly they can be very hazardous if not handled with care. Its proven that graphene
batteries have longer lifespan and are more reliable than their predecessor. We all can
benefit from this new technology. It means less toxic waste, we can have our
appliances run longer and cheaper in the long run. We can have houses that generates
electricity from solar panels can reserve energy, use it throughout the night when solar
panels are not producing electricity and recharge our hybrid cars. In the United
Kingdom we can have hybrid cars that can run longer distances only with one full
charge. All the above means greener environment and better quality of life.
Batteries that are not recycled end up on our field, river and seas which can release
toxic chemicals into our fresh drinking water supply.
Feasibility of the Project
Graphene is a double-dimensional carbon allotrope. It was initially isolated in
2004 it is currently one the strongest materials, the unique characteristics enable it to
be transparent, flexible and very thin. Thus it is considered one of the most effective
nanomaterial’s with applications in a wide range of appliances which include both
commercial and domestic electronics. It has been a scientific breakthrough since the
experiments were highlighted by the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010 to professors
Andre and Konstantin from Manchester University.
The superior and unique properties of Graphene make it a dependable source
for new and innovative technologies in many fields. It has a single layer of carbon
atoms. Despite being light and flexible, it is stronger than steel. Electrons move faster
in graphene as compared to silicon. The graphene has the potential to change current
challenges this would improve energy industry, better sensors, ICT, faster PLC,

Research Proposal
digital communication and faster RCV’s, GPS and many other nano technology uses
(GHAVANINI, F. A. and THEANDER, H. 2015)
Graphene is made from carbon element and is widely available on planet earth
this makes it cheap to excavate graphene from earth. The existing Li-ion factories that
produces batteries they can be used to produce graphene batteries without any extra
cost involved in rebuilding new factories. It means better batteries that last longer in
terms of lifespan and charging density. Lithium-ion batteries are reliable not to
mention recyclable batteries which has lifespan of two to three years or 300-500
charge/life cycle. It can be used for both commercial and domestic appliances such as
hybrid cars, electric forklift, mobile phones and hoverboards to mention just a few.
Despite its reliability/suitability it does unfortunately causes many environmental
issues:
Manufacturing and Disposal Pollution
These two types of pollution cause severe industrial pollution as follows:
 Instability of Governments: Lack of better policies and ineffective
enforcement led many factories to produce pollution and unplanned industrial
growth;
 Use of Outdated Technologies:
Many factories still use outdated technologies
to produce products with the aim of avoiding