Australia produces around 3,300 tonnes of lithium-ion battery waste each year (CSIRO). Finding a way to extend the useful life of these batteries would likely have numerous financial and environmental benefits. Researchers at the University of Queensland have identified a better way to protect parts of the lithium-ion battery from corrosion. A layer of crystals, only 1 atom thick, can protect against corrosion, while also supporting higher voltages and therefore greater energy density, as well as removing the need for cobalt, which can often be one of the most costly elements in a lithium-ion battery.

https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/materials/lithium-ion-batteries-coating-lifespan/