With increased use of portable electronics and growing emphasis on green energy transition, use of various kinds of batteries has also increased significantly over the last quarter-century. Frequent use of these devices urges users to consider the rechargeability feature of batteries to reduce overall costs. Lithium batteries are very popular batteries that come in a large variety with respect to chemistry type, shape, and size. In this article, we will be exploring lithium batteries in detail with special focus on their rechargeability feature. Our major focus is to know if all lithium batteries can be recharged or not. The reader will get to know about different types of lithium batteries w.r.t. chemistry, major characteristics of each type, and the rechargeability feature of each type. We will also answer some of the important questions related to lithium batteries.
Rechargeable vs. Non-rechargeable Batteries:
Non-Rechargeable or primary type of batteries are disposable batteries which are for one-time use. Usually, these batteries have longer shelf life, lower self-discharge, and quite lower price. Ideally, these batteries are used for those devices that are low-drain in nature, so batteries could last even longer. Typical use of these batteries is in clocks, watches, remote controllers, etc.
Rechargeable batteries are also named as secondary battery, which can be used over and over again. Each type of battery (on the basis of chemistry) in this category has its own life cycle, which means that the battery can be discharged and charged as many times as the life cycle number depicts. For example, a lithium-ion battery with cycle life of 500 can ideally be charged-discharged 500 times before its storage capacity falls below 80% of its original capacity. Rechargeable batteries have significantly higher costs than non-rechargeable ones. Anyhow, their reusability feature offsets the initial higher price over the lifetime.
The choice between rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries highly depends upon the application under consideration. Typically, primary batteries are used for backup or low-drain devices. On the other hand, secondary types of batteries are used for those gadgets, devices, or machines that are used frequently for extended periods.
Types of Lithium Batteries and their Features:
On a broader spectrum, lithium batteries are categorized into three main types based on the composition of the electrolyte and construction of electrodes.
- Lithium metal batteries
- Lithium-Ion batteries
- Lithium-Polymer Batteries
Li-ion battery has further subtypes in its group. In this section, we will get to know about all types of lithium batteries in detail and highlight their various features, specifically rechargeability feature.
Lithium Metal Batteries
Lithium metal batteries are usually non-rechargeable or primary type batteries. These batteries are named as lithium metal batteries because lithium metal (for example, lithium cobalt oxide) is used in constructing anode of these batteries. The cathode of these batteries is composed of carbon or graphite. Lithium metal, being a lightweight metal with high electrochemical potential, renders many features to these batteries. These batteries have longer life span and good charge density. Charging is not recommended for lithium metal cells. Because, during recharging process, these batteries experience dendrite growth, which can also cause short-circuiting and fire explosions.
Lithium metal non-rechargeable batteries are usually designed in AA/AAA, and coin/button cell shapes. Lithium metal batteries find their widespread use in
- Medical devices of critical importance, like pacemakers
- Consumer electronics like clocks, remote car locks, and cameras
- Oceanographic applications
- Portable electronics like watches and calculators
- Recreational items like kids’ toys
Note: many research institutes have allocated huge resources to develop rechargeable lithium metal batteries. Anyhow, currently, researchers and developers are facing many limitations in this regard. Accordingly, rechargeable lithium metal batteries are not available for commercial use for now.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable or secondary-type batteries. As of now, lithium-ion batteries are the most popular among all kinds of lithium batteries because these batteries play a key role in large-scale energy storage systems needed for the clean energy transition. Their employment in laptops, cell phones, electric scooters, EVs and other energy storage systems is preferred due to their high energy density, long cycle life, and lightweight. Furthermore, these batteries can bear higher loads, have good shelf life paired with low internal resistance, and lower maintenance needs.
Major types of lithium-ion batteries are:
| Abbreviation | Full Name | Rechargeable |
|---|---|---|
| LFP | Lithium Iron Phosphate battery | Yes |
| LCO | Lithium Cobalt Oxide battery | Yes |
| LMO | Lithium Manganese Oxide battery | Yes |
| NMC | Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt battery | Yes |
| NCA | Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminium Oxide battery | Yes |
| LTO | Lithium Titanate battery | Yes |
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) Battery
Lithium Iron Phosphate battery, or LiFePO4 or LFP battery, is a rechargeable type of lithium-ion battery. This battery uses iron and phosphate in its construction, making its price lower. These batteries have a long life span, and safe chemistry. Anyhow, self-discharge of these batteries is more than that of other types of lithium-ion batteries. Performance of these batteries can be improved by using electronics-based control systems.
Lithium Cobalt Oxide battery (LCO) or LiCoO2 is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery which is often used in digital cameras, mobile phones, laptops, and similar electronic products. Energy density of these batteries is quite good, which makes them a suitable option for small sized and portable electronic devices. Anyhow, these batteries have a shorter life span, low specific power (load capability), and poor safety. Poor safety is due to low thermal stability and higher chances of thermal runaway. Cobalt is an expensive element, making these batteries costly. Cobalt is also hazardous, and its presence in the battery can make the battery swell, and even ignite.
Lithium Manganese Oxide (LMO) Battery
Lithium Manganese Oxide (LMO) or LiMn2O4 battery is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. LMO battery is also known as manganese spinel battery due to its 3-dimensional spinel structure. These batteries have good safety, low internal resistance, higher thermal stability, and fast charge-discharge features. Anyhow, LMO batteries have a short life span, and life cycles. These batteries are used in power tools, medical instruments, HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles), and EVs (Electric Vehicles).
Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC)
Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt oxide (NMC) battery, also depicted as LiNiMnCoO2 type battery, is a rechargeable type of lithium-ion battery. NMC batteries have high specific energy, good specific power, satisfactory safety features, enough life cycles, and optimal safety features. Commercial use of these batteries is increasing as they are found to be suitable for electric bikes and electric vehicles.
Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA)
Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA) battery, or LiNiCoAlO2 battery, is another rechargeable lithium battery. It resembles NMC-type batteries in features like good specific power, high specific energy, and good life span. Anyhow, these batteries have poor safety and high cost. These batteries have potential for improvement and increased market share. Currently, these are used in high-performance EVs designed by Tesla.
Lithium Titanate (LTO)
Lithium Titanate (LTO) battery or Li2TiO3 battery is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. LTO battery can be charged and discharged rapidly, making it a good choice for electric powertrains and UPS. These batteries have good safety features, including high thermal stability and less vulnerability to fire and explosions. Anyhow, their cost is high, and charge storage capacity is lower.
Lithium-Polymer Batteries
Lithium polymer battery, commonly represented as LiPo battery or Li-Po battery, is a rechargeable lithium battery that resembles lithium ion battery so much in features that it is sometimes called a type of lithium ion battery.
LiPo cells are thin in construction, and light in weight. That’s why they can be made in various shapes according to application requirements. Other notable features of lithium polymer batteries include good life cycle, high efficiency, high energy density, good charge-discharge characteristics, no memory effect, and low internal resistance.
The safety performance of lithium polymer batteries needs special attention. These batteries are designed with protection circuitry so that overcharging, overdischarging, and short circuits could be avoided. Its safety circuits include thermal sensors to monitor temperature and shut down battery packs if battery overheats. For enhanced safety, casing of LiPo batteries is built to be robust but flexible so that physical damage can be avoided.
Lithium polymer batteries have high gravimetric energy density allowing larger amount of energy to be stored in less weight. This characteristic of LiPo batteries makes them a preferred choice for mobile and portable devices such as laptops, cell phones, electric vehicles, and radio-controlled aircraft.
As mentioned earlier, lithium polymer batteries can be constructed in various shapes (round, prismatic, cylindrical, ultra-thin, curved, angled, and round), sizes, and energy levels. Currently, these are widely used in tablets and cell phones. Smart watches, drones, VR systems, and IoT devices also take advantage of wide wide-ranging features of these batteries. Their market in the e-mobility sector is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years.
Why aren’t all Lithium Batteries Rechargeable?
Once we have discussed all types of lithium batteries and understood their categorization, we are in a better position to answer this important question: whether all lithium batteries can be recharged or not? And why can’t users recharge all lithium batteries?
Lithium metal batteries generate electrical energy through irreversible chemical reactions because their electrodes wear out during chemical reactions and elements can’t be deposited back onto the electrodes during recharging process. An attempt to recharge them causes dendrite growth, thermal runaways, and internal short-circuiting. So, these batteries are designed for single-time use and can’t be recharged.
Lithium-ion batteries, which have 6 types as of now, are reusable or rechargeable. In these batteries, materials from electrodes don’t participate in chemical reactions directly. Instead, lithium ions move between cathode and anode through electrolyte. Resultantly, reactions taking place in lithium-ion batteries are reversible. So, we can say that Li-ion batteries can be recharged several times before their life ends and number of charge-discharge cycles is related to cycle life.
Lithium Polymer or LiPo batteries share similarities with lithium-ion batteries. In these batteries, any polymer electrolyte is used. During charging and discharging, reversible chemical reactions take place, pushing lithium ions from one electrode to the other electrode through this electrolyte. As reactions are reversible, so LiPo batteries can also be recharged over and over again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a non-rechargeable lithium battery be recharged?
Non-rechargeable lithium batteries generate electric energy through irreversible chemical reactions and they can’t be recharged. One might experience leakages, overheating, or even an explosion while trying to recharge it.
2. Which lithium battery shall I choose? Rechargeable or non-rechargeable?
You shall consider your application requirements before choosing rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. If you want a battery for a kid’s toy that is used frequently for longer periods, you must choose a rechargeable battery. If you need a battery for low low-energy device like a clock, a non-rechargeable battery would be the best option.
3. How many times can a rechargeable lithium battery be recharged?
Life cycle of a battery gives us an idea about the number of times a rechargeable battery can be charged and discharged. This number depends upon chemistry of concerned battery. As lithium batteries come in various chemistries so their life cycle also varies greatly. For example, lithium titanate (LTO) batteries have an impressive cycle life of 30,000 cycles.
Conclusion
Lithium batteries have become very popular in the past 2 to 2.5 decades. Industrialists and researchers have developed many types of lithium batteries, each coming with its own distinct features and application suitability. Not all of these types are rechargeable. Lithium metal batteries undergo an irreversible reaction, and an attempt to recharge them might be hazardous. Resultantly, lithium metal batteries are non-rechargeable. These low-cost batteries are suitable for low-drain applications. On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries, which have many subtypes, are a group of rechargeable lithium batteries. These are popular for demanding applications like EVs, mobile phones, and laptops. Lithium polymer batteries, resembling lithium-ion batteries, are also rechargeable type of batteries having solid polymer as electrolyte instead of a liquid electrolyte like that of Li-ion batteries.
Dr. Emily Li
Principal Scientist
Dr. Emily Li has 16 years of experience in lithium battery material research and over 10 years of background in new materials application. She is well-versed in the complete material process from molecular structure design to cell manufacturing. For years, she has focused on the development of advanced high-energy, high-safety battery materials. Through rigorous materials science research, she has successfully enhanced the performance and lifespan of batteries and power systems. With her rich experimental and project experience, she has led several key projects that have significantly advanced the industrialization of battery materials.
