Before you buy a new Lithium-ion battery, you should know a little bit about the process.
Chemistry
Lithium-ion batteries store energy by transferring it between an anode and a cathode, which are made of graphite or carbon. The anode is normally made of graphite, but repeated insertion of lithium ions in a battery can break down graphite, which reduces the battery’s performance. Researchers are currently working to develop anodes made of graphene, a single-atom-thick sheet of carbon. The cathode, on the other hand, is made of a lithium-oxide metal.
Lithium-ion battery chemistry is a key element in the design of portable electronic devices. It is the preferred storage solution in many markets, including the automotive industry and electric grids. However, as future markets grow, lithium-ion batteries will require greater energy density than they can provide now. As such, other lithium-based chemistries are being studied. Lithium-air-oxygen, lithium-sulfur, and lithium-air (oxygen) batteries have all been proposed as future alternatives.
Construction
Lithium-ion batteries use lithium-based electrolytes for power storage. These electrolytes are designed to be safe and environmentally friendly. Developing new lithium salts and solvents is one way to improve safety and environmental adaptability. New positive anode materials are also being developed to increase capacity, power, and safety.
The basic elements of a lithium-ion battery are the cathode (positive electrode) and the anode (negative electrode). These components are connected in parallel or series and can be integrated into a module or a battery pack. For example, the 85-kWh battery pack in a Tesla car contains 7104 cells. Each cell consists of a cathode (positive electrode) and anode (negative electrode). A microporous polymer membrane separates the anode and cathode, allowing them to exchange lithium ions.
Safety
Despite the advances in battery technology and its potential to increase energy density, lithium-ion batteries have many safety concerns. They are prone to thermal runaway, a condition that can result in fire. Thermal runaway is caused by an internal short circuit fueled by energy produced by the battery. The energy released in such an event is approximately 5.4 times greater than the electrical energy stored in the battery.
Lithium-ion battery safety precautions are primarily designed to prevent thermal runaway, which is a process where one cell releases enough heat to cause a short circuit in neighboring cells. Thermal runaway can result in the damage of neighboring cells, even when the battery is not being used. Thermal runaway is also caused by internal defects, such as contamination with microscopic metal particles.
Charge Density
Lithium-ion batteries store and release energy via the movement of lithium ions in and out of electrode structures. The energy stored by a cell equals the voltage multiplied by the charge density. The charge density of a lithium battery is 13,901 coulombs per gram.
There are several types of lithium-ion batteries. The most common are cobalt-based and comprise a cobalt oxide positive electrode and a graphite carbon negative electrode. They offer a high energy density and long run-time.
Capacity
Lithium-ion batteries are the most popular battery type today and are increasingly used in electric vehicles. The popularity of electric vehicles has boosted the market for lithium-ion batteries, which are expected to grow significantly in the coming years. This technology is associated with many benefits, including the need for less maintenance for a vehicle’s engine, lower fuel consumption, and reduced waste from gasoline and diesel engines.
The battery’s capacity depends on its structure and age. As it ages, the active substance begins to pour from the plates and the battery’s capacity declines.
Recycling
Today, recycling lithium-ion batteries has become an important industry, and the demand is increasing. By 2030, the United States and Europe will need to recycle more than 80 metric kilotons of these batteries. Recycling companies are now setting up massive recycling facilities to handle the growing volumes.
