The full name of Li ion battery is lithium-ion battery. It is a type of secondary battery that uses Li ion to store electric energy. Most small electronic devices like smart phone, laptops are using li ion batteries for charging and discharging.But many people may not know what li ion battery actually is?This article will tell you about li ion batteries from different dimensions.
Development History of Li ion Battery
What is the Origin of Li ion Battery?
In the 1970s, M. Stanley Whittingham from the Exxon company invented the first lithium-ion battery.
In 1980, the chemist John B. Goodenough from Sweden developed the first practical lithium-ion battery, in which the cathode material is lithium manganate (LiMn2O4) and anode material is carbon.
In 1985, Akira Yoshino from Japan used a carbonaceous anode to develop the first prototype of the modern Li-ion battery.
What is the Major Breakthrough of Li ion Battery?
In 1991,Sony successfully developed a commercial lithium-ion battery. The cathode material is lithium cobalt oxide and anode material is graphene. The energy density and security improved.The era of lithium-ion commercialization began.
What is the Development Status of Li ion Battery?
Over the past 20 years, the main market of lithium-ion batteries is the 3C digital field.The one research direction of lithium-ion batteries is trying to use solid electrolyte instead of liquid electrolyte now. Thus improve the energy density, security and charging speed of lithium-ion batteries.
Another research direction is trying to use nanomaterials in electrodes to change the battery performance. Then improve the lithium-ion battery capacity and number of cycles. Also, the production process is constantly being optimized to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Li ion Battery Components
Cathode
The Li mainly comes from the cathode of a lithium-ion battery.Different types of lithium-ion use different cathode materials.Like lithium manganate battery using lithium manganate as cathode active material.Lithium cobalt oxide battery using lithium cobalt oxide as cathode active material.
Separator
The separator is located between cathode and anode. Typically the separator is made of Polyethylene, polypropylene of the mix of them.Sepatator’s microporous structure can help close or block the channel to avoid the possibility of battery short circuit.
Anode
The active material of anode is graphite or carbon materials with a structure similar to graphite.The layered structure of anode has many micropores to accept lithium ions.
Electrolyte
The electrolyte is the transport medium of lithium-ion to move between cathode and anode.The function of electrolyte is to keep the normal operation of the lithium-ion battery.There are three types of electrolyte, liquid, colloidal and solid(Lithium polymer battery).The electrolyte usually is organic electrolyte based on mixed solvent.
Casing
The function of the casing is to protect the lithium-ion battery components and prevent the leakage of electrolyte.Thus to ensure the security and stability of lithium-ion batteries. Typically the materials of casing are aluminum, steel and aluminum-plastic.
How Li ion Battery works
The process of charging and discharging is the process of transferring lithium ions between cathode and anode.
Charging
When charging, the lithium ions are formed on cathode,then move to anode through the electrolyte.The carbon materials of anode have many micropores that can accept lithium ions.The more lithium ions on anode, the larger the charging capacity.
Usually, the lithium-ion battery charging current is set between 0.2C and 1C. The higher the current, the faster the charging.Battery heating is also more serious. Because the electronic chemical reaction inside the battery takes time, the larger electric current cannot fill the capacity completely.
Discharging
The process of discharging is when the battery is used. It’s the opposite of the charging process.The accepted lithium ions on anode back to cathode through electrolyte.The more lithium ions that back to the anode, the larger the capacity of discharging.
Types of Li ion Battery
At present, lithium-ion batteries have been divided into many categories.
Classified by Cathode Materials
Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO)
The LCO batteries use lithium cobalt oxide as cathode material，which have high energy density and multiple functions of charging and discharging, but low specific power. It is widely used in cell phones, laptops and digital cameras. But the lifespan is short and has poor thermal stability.
Lithium Manganate (LMO)
The LMO batteries used lithium manganate as cathode active material. Its three-dimensional structure makes the battery have good thermal stability and security.But the cycle lifespan is limited.Mainly used in electronic tools and electric bikes, and certain electric vehicles.
Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese Oxide (NCM)
The NCM battery mixed the advantages of nickel, cobalt and manganese together. NCM batteries have high energy density and good cycling stability is suitable for a wide range of applications.
Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA)
The NCA battery has high energy density and long lifespan.Mainly used in high-performance electric vehicles and long-lasting power equipment like electronic vehicles.
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)
The LFP battery used phosphate as cathode material and graphite carbon electrode as anode. It has high security and long cycle lifespan,which is widely used in electronic cars and energy storage systems.
Lithium Titanate (LTO)
The LTO battery used lithium titanate as anode material. It has good security and long lifespan,but the energy density is low.Suitable for high power application.
Classified by Electrolyte Form
Liquid Lithium Battery
Most lithium-ion batteries on the market are liquid lithium batteries now. The production process is very mature.
Condensed Matter Lithium Battery
A condensed matter lithium battery is also called a lithium polymer battery. It is safer and more flexible.Mainly used in wearable devices and hybrid battery systems.
Li ion Battery Production Process
Make paste-like Materials
First,mix the special solvents and powdered cathode active materials,special adhesives and powdered anode active materials respectively. After stirring evenly to form paste-like cathode and anode materials.
Coating
Next,coating the paste-like cathode and anode materials on the surface of metal foil evenly by automatic coating machine. Automatically cut into cathode and anode sheets after drying.
Assembling
Arrange in the top-down order of cathode sheet, separator, anode sheet,separator. Then,winding them up, injecting electrolyte, sealing, and welding cathode and anode tabs and other processes.The full process of production is finished.
Quality Check
The last step is to perform charge and discharge tests for finished batteries in a test cabinet to select the qualified finished batteries.
Advantages of Li ion Battery
High Energy Density
Lithium-ion batteries have high energy density that can store more energy in smaller and lighter packages.Suitable for long-lasting power equipment like smart phones and laptops.
Long Cycle Life
Lithium-ion batteries typically supply a lot of charging and discharging cycles above 500 times. Some types of lithium-ion phosphate batteries can get 8000 cycle times.
Low Self-discharge Rate
Lithium-ion battery’s low self-discharge rate can maintain power longer when you don’t use the battery.
No Memory Effect
Lithium-ion batteries don’t have memory effort.You can charge at any time without fully discharge first.
Disadvantages of Li ion Battery
Security Issue
Overcharging, overdischarging or short circuits may cause fire or explosion. So a good battery management system is necessary.
High Cost
Because of the high price of cathode materials, the manufacturing costs of lithium-ion batteries is relatively high. That limits the popularity of lithium-ion batteries in certain areas.
Fixed Shape
The shapes and flexibility of lithium-ion batteries are bad,and are usually designed with cylindrical or prismatic shapes.
Application Fields of Li ion Battery
Electric Vehicles
Because of the high energy density and light weight,electric vehicles prefer to choose lithium-ion batteries as power sources. Lithium-ion batteries can make the car’s weight lighter, improve the battery lifespan and security which are different from lead-acid batteries. It is also environmentally friendly and sustainable development.
Electronic Equipment
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in cell phones, laptops, cameras and other electronic equipment because of the high energy density and long lifespan.
Energy Storage System
In the field of renewable energy (such as solar and wind energy), lithium-ion batteries are used in energy storage systems to supply stable power to balance the supply and demand. This application can help improve energy utilization efficiency and promote the development of green energy.
Other Fields
Also,the lithium-ion batteries are used in robots, aerospace systems, medical equipment, military equipment and other fields. It shows a broad market prospects and application potential.
Conclusion
The advantages of the Li ion battery are the important components of the energy revolution in modern society. It has broad application fields and market potential.If you’re considering using lithium batteries, contact us.
We are a company that integrates R&D, design, production, and sales for many years in the high-tech battery industry. Our products have numerous national and international certifications, and we have extensive experience in the Li-ion battery field, making us your trusted battery partner.
Author Introduction
Dr. Emily Li
Principal Scientist
Graduated from Peking University,Dr. Emily Li has 10 years of experience in lithium battery material research and over 10 years of background in new materials application. She is experienced in the lithium battery materials specific application and performance.
