A multi-objective robust optimization model to sustainable closed-loop lithium-ion battery supply chain network design under uncertainties

Abstract

Recently, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have achieved more acceptance as clean and sustainable technology because of their widespread application in exploiting portable electronic devices and electric vehicles (EVs). Since the LIBs have a finite useful life cycle and cannot be applied after losing their initial capacity, focusing on the end-of-life (EOL) LIBs and sustainability in the supply chain network design (SCND) of these batteries seems obligatory. In this respect, this study deploys a multi-objective stochastic robust optimization model to plan and design a sustainable closed-loop LIBs supply chain (SC) network under uncertainties considering environmental and social aspects alongside economic aspects. The effective life cycle assessment (LCA) method is incorporated to evaluate the relevant environmental impacts (EIs). Various relevant social measures are adopted in the model to calculate and formulate the social impacts. Likewise, the augmented ε-constraint method is applied to provide the Pareto optimal set. Eventually, the performance and validity of the proposed model will be vindicated by a real case study in Iran. The key finding of this paper indicates that paying attention to EOL strategies and addressing the reverse SC (RSC) increases total profits by 25.18 %. Also, the model can manage the environmental and social burdens of LIBs, particularly at the EOL stage.