Widely heralded as contributing components in sustainable energy systems, lithium-ion batteries are also contributors to air and water quality degradation. Recent research indicates that the life cycle of these batteries is associated with increased per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) concentrations in the environment.

Certain PFAS compounds, such as perfluoroalkyl sulfonimides (bis-FASIs), are used as primary and secondary electrolytes to improve conductivity and suppress flammability in lithium-ion batteries. Analysis of air, water, snow, soil and sediment near battery manufacturing plants in Minnesota, Kentucky, Belgium and France reveals high levels of these compounds in samples. The data recorded by researchers from Texas Tech University, Duke University, Archer Science (Minnesota) and North Carolina State University indicates long-range atmospheric transport of these compounds. End-of-life disposal can also introduce battery-related PFAS into the environment.

Toxicity testing studies reported in Nature Communications demonstrated concentrations of bis-FASIs similar to those found at sampling sites can impact the behavior and energy metabolic processes of aquatic organisms. While bis-FASIs did not break down during oxidation treatability tests, concentrations in water could be reduced using granular activated carbon and ion exchange, methods already applied to remove PFAS from drinking water. Adoption of such approaches is likely to increase to enable treatment facilities to comply with revised U.S. Environmental Protection Agency maximum contaminant levels for PFAS.