Elemental analysis and structural characterisation of Li-containing ore materials using advanced muon and neutron techniques

The rapidly increasing demand for Li-ion batteries to power portable consumer electronics, electric vehicles and large power storage facilities has led to the EU classing Li as a critical element from Sept 2020. The Faraday Battery Challenge is a £274 million investment by UK government to fund research and innovation projects in the area of batteries. This is driven by the governments plan for replacement of all conventional petrol and diesel vehicles by electric and zero emission vehicles by 2035. To position the UK as a leader in the development of Li battery technologies the UK must ensure it is self-sufficient in terms of raw materials required for domestic production of Li batteries.