Lithium-Ion Battery: Things You Must Know Before Buying

A lithium-ion, or Li-ion battery, is a sort of rechargeable battery that stores energy through the reversible inclusion of Li+ ions into electronically conducting substances (electrolytes).

Compared to other commercial rechargeable batteries, Li-ion batteries have a higher specific energy, energy density, energy efficiency, cycle life, and calendar life.

Another noteworthy development in lithium-ion batteries is that, after its introduction to the market in 1991, its volumetric energy density has tripled and its cost had dropped tenfold during the next thirty years.

In today’s world, every day, millions of people rely on lithium-ion batteries to power their lives. This technology, which is light in weight, high in energy density, and rechargeable, is gaining appeal in everything from computers and cell phones to hybrids and electric vehicles.

So, what is a lithium-ion battery and how does this work? Let’s dive in.

What is a Lithium-ion Battery?

A lithium-ion battery is a kind of battery that is comparatively more efficient and long-lasting than other alternatives. It consists of one or more lithium-ion cells, assembled with a protective circuit board. This assembly is known as a battery; lithium-ion cells are installed inside the case of the battery with a shield or a protective circuit board.

Lithium-ion is a famous and widely used rechargeable battery these days. Lithium-ion batteries have great potential to power the appliances and devices we use in our daily lives, like our smartphones, smart watches, tablets, electric motorbikes, and electric vehicles.

Major Components of a Lithium-ion Battery [Cell]?

• Electrodes: These are both positive and negative charge-bearing terminals of a cell. They are attached to the part of the battery where the current is collected.
• Anode: The negative terminal or negative electrode of the battery. It attracts the positive charge carriers. 
• Cathode: The positive terminal or positive electrode of the battery. It attracts the negative charge carriers.
• Electrolyte: This is a liquid material or we can see it as a gel that helps conduct electricity.
• Current collectors: There are multiple conductive foils inside the battery at each electrode of the cells connected to the terminals of each cell. Electricity is transferred between the battery, the gadget, and the battery’s power source via the cell terminals.
• Separator: It is a porous polymeric thin film that is used to separate the opposite terminals or electrodes of the cell while facilitating the transfer of lithium ions between two sides

Functioning of Lithium-Ion Batteries

A battery consists of an anode, cathode, separator, electrolyte, and two current collectors (positive and negative). The lithium is stored in both the anode and the cathode.

The electrolyte transports positively charged lithium ions from the anode to the cathode and vice versa via the separator. The mobility of lithium ions generates free electrons in the anode, resulting in a charge at the positive current collector.

The electrical current then passes from the current collector through a powered device (portable devices: smartphone, tablet, computer, etc.) to the negative current collector. The flow of negative charge carriers or electrons within the battery is controlled through the use of separators.

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Charging/Discharging Cycle

While the battery discharges and generates an electric current, the anode transmits lithium ions to the cathode, causing electrons to flow from one side to another. When you plug in the device, the cathode releases lithium ions and the anode receives them. This is how the charging and discharging cycle works in a battery.

Energy Density VS. Power Density

Energy density and power density are two of the most commonly used terms when discussing batteries. Energy density, measured in watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg), is the amount of energy a battery can store when compared to its mass.

Power density is measured in watts per kilogram (W/kg) and is the amount of power that a battery can provide relative to its bulk mass. Consider draining a water storage tank for a more concrete example. Energy density is comparable to the size of the tank, whereas power density is comparable to draining the water of the tank as soon as feasible.

The International or Departmental research programs on energy for electric vehicle technologies have been focused on enhancing the energy density of batteries while lowering costs and maintaining an appropriate power density. For additional information on lithium-ion battery projects, please visit respectable and trustworthy websites such as ScienceDirect.com and browse the leading academic journals.

How Does a Lithium-ion Battery Work?

The working of the lithium-ion battery is somewhat similar to other energy storage devices. In a lithium-ion battery, specifically, the lithium ions (Li+) transfer between the anode and cathode inside the battery. 

In the external circuit, electrons flow oppositely. The battery powers the device because of this migration, which generates electrical current. The anode transfers lithium ions to the cathode during battery discharging, which creates an electron flow that powers the associated device.

The converse happens when the battery is charging (the anode receives and the cathode releases lithium ions).

Lithium-Ion Batteries in The Commercial Market

Rechargeable C/LiCoO2 lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are now available for cellular phones, personal computers, and portable audio-visual devices. As the use of lithium-ion batteries has increased, so has the desire for greater capacity, less weight, and smaller size.

Some portable electronic products now use thin film prismatic polymer lithium-ion batteries (PLBs) with polymer gel electrolytes. Because of the usage of a laminated film bag, PLBs are thin and light. However, PLBs have some issues, and their performance is sometimes lower to that of LIBs.

The researchers developed a new thin LIB that outperforms and is safer than PLBs and prismatic LIBs. It uses an aluminum-plastic laminated film bag. We dubbed the thin LIB “Advanced Lithium-Ion Battery (ALIB)”.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are essential for a fossil-free civilization. Even though LIB technology has advanced significantly, concerns and challenges still remain. This is a brief history of rechargeable LIBs and their precursor, non-rechargeable lithium batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries made their commercial appearance in 1991. LIBs created the groundwork for wireless electronics like mobile phones and laptops.

They are currently utilized for everything from charging electric vehicles to storing renewable energy on a grid scale. In 2019, three scientists received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their contributions to rechargeable lithium-ion electrochemistry.

Challenges and Considerations [Downside of Lithium-Ion Battery]

Lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous if not properly developed and constructed, as they contain volatile electrolytes that, if broken or inappropriately charged, can cause explosions and fires. Improperly recycled batteries can produce harmful waste, particularly those containing dangerous metals, and are flammable.

Furthermore, both lithium and other major strategic minerals used in batteries face considerable extraction challenges, with lithium being water-intensive in often dry places and other minerals used in various Li-ion chemistry may contain conflict minerals, such as cobalt.

Also, anybody who has traveled by airline may know, that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) limits device power to 100 watt hours per device, and spare, uninstalled LIBs must be brought only in carry-on luggage. UPS and other package delivery firms do not accept lithium-ion batteries.

Lithium-ion automobile batteries are contentious, although they have been utilized in Tesla vehicles since 2021. The principal threat is fire caused by flammable solvents in the electrolyte gel. Traditional lithium batteries can explode or create fires if they are poorly charged or broken, allowing oxygen or water to enter the cells.

The dangers of LIB water exposure made headlines following Hurricane Ian when a large number of EVs with damaged batteries caught fire in southern Florida.

Fortunately, LIB fires can be extinguished using water, whereas non-rechargeable lithium batteries require a class D fire extinguisher. This is because LIBs contain no elemental lithium. Instead, lithium ions are “intercalated (inserted)” into layers of an oxide or phosphate cathode. 

Commercial Market

Li-ion batteries have revolutionized the consumer electronics market, powering smartphones, laptops, and portable devices. The development of thin film prismatic polymer lithium-ion batteries has further expanded their utility, offering lightweight and compact energy storage solutions.

Automotive Industry

In recent years, Li-ion batteries have gained traction in the automotive industry, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs). Despite concerns about safety and environmental impact, advancements in battery technology have made EVs more viable alternatives to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

Safety Concerns

Lithium-ion batteries can pose safety risks if mishandled or improperly manufactured. Issues such as electrolyte leakage, thermal runaway, and fire hazards have prompted calls for improved safety standards and recycling practices.

Environmental Impact

The extraction and disposal of materials used in lithium-ion batteries raise environmental concerns, including water-intensive lithium mining and the generation of hazardous waste. Sustainable practices and recycling initiatives are essential for mitigating these environmental impacts.

Conclusion

Lithium-ion batteries have revolutionized energy storage and become indispensable components of modern life. Despite their advantages, ongoing research and development are necessary to address safety, environmental, and performance challenges and ensure the continued advancement of this critical technology.

FAQs:

What is a lithium-ion battery?

A lithium-ion battery is a rechargeable battery that stores energy through the reversible intercalation of Li+ ions into electronically conducting substances.

What are the major components of a lithium-ion battery cell?

The major components include electrodes (positive and negative terminals), anode, cathode, electrolyte, current collectors, and separator.

How does a lithium-ion battery work?

During discharging, lithium ions move from the anode to the cathode, generating an electric current. Charging reverses this process, with the cathode releasing lithium ions and the anode receiving them.

What are the applications of lithium-ion batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries power a wide range of devices, including smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, and grid-scale energy storage systems.

What are the challenges associated with lithium-ion batteries?

Safety concerns, environmental impact, and performance limitations are among the key challenges facing lithium-ion battery technology. Ongoing research and development efforts aim to address these issues and drive innovation in the field.