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What is a lithium-ion battery?

What is a lithium-ion battery?

A lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery is a high-tech battery that uses lithium ions as an integral part of its electrochemistry. Lithium atoms in the anode are ionized and separated from their electrons throughout a discharge cycle. The lithium ions pass from the anode through the electrolyte to the cathode, recombining with their electrons and electrically neutralizing. The lithium ions are small enough to pass over a micro-permeable separator that separates the anode and cathode. Because of the small size of lithium (third only to hydrogen and helium), Li-ion batteries might have too high voltage and charge storage per unit mass and volume.

How Does It Work?

Electrodes in Li-ion batteries can be made of several kinds of materials. Lithium cobalt oxide (cathode) and graphite (anode) are the utmost frequent combinations in portable electronic devices like smartphones and laptops. Lithium iron phosphate and Lithium manganese oxide (used in hybrid and electric cars) are two other cathode materials. Ether (a family of organic chemicals) is frequently used in lithium-ion batteries as an electrolyte.

Advantages of Li-ion Batteries

Li-ion batteries offer several benefits over other high-quality rechargeable battery technologies (nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal-hydride). They offer the highest energy density of any battery technology available today (100-265 Wh/kg or 250-670 Wh/L). Furthermore, Li-ion battery cells can provide up to 3.6 Volts, three times greater than Ni-Cd or Ni-MH technology. This implies they can provide massive quantities of current for high-power applications. Li-ion batteries are also low-maintenance, as they do not require planned cycling to sustain battery life.

Disadvantages of Li-ion Batteries

Despite their scientific potential, Li-ion batteries have several flaws, notably in safety. Li-ion batteries overheat easily and can be damaged at high voltages. This can result in thermal runaway and combustion in rare situations. This has produced severe issues, including grounding the Boeing 787 aircraft following reports of onboard battery fires. Because of the hazards connected with these batteries, some shipping firms refuse to carry batteries in bulk by plane. Li-ion batteries need safety systems to regulate voltage and internal pressures, which can add weight and, in certain situations, limit performance. Lithium battery wholesaler in china ensure professional expertise in customizing lithium battery pack solutions, including long life cycle, durable and sturdy, and longer service life.