Lithium-ion batteries are a very popular choice for portable electronic devices and electric vehicles. They have a longer lifespan than traditional alkaline batteries.

They have a much higher energy density than nickel cadmium or nickel metal hydride batteries. They are also safer to ship and transport.

Learn more about these batteries, including how to properly store and use them.

The Lithium-Ion Battery

The lithium-ion battery is the most common rechargeable energy storage device, powering everything from mobile phones Portable lithium-ion battery to electric cars. Lithium-ion batteries have many benefits over their predecessors: they are lighter, offer a higher specific energy, and do not suffer from the memory effect which can occur after several partial discharge/charge cycles.

The fundamental unit of a lithium-ion battery is called a battery cell and can be either prismatic (rectangular), pouch, or cylindrical. One battery cell is not enough to power a practical load, so they are connected in series and parallel into a larger battery pack to achieve the desired voltage and energy capacity.

Each battery cell contains an electrolyte that carries lithium ions between the anode and cathode via a separator. The type of electrode material used determines the voltage and capacity of a battery, and there are many different cathode materials such as lithium cobalt oxide, lithium nickel manganese cobaltate, spinel, or lithium iron phosphate.

A negative electrode is usually made from graphite or a carbon-based material, while the positive electrode is often an aluminum or titanium alloy. The chemistry of the battery is determined by additives, solvents, and salts that make up the electrolyte.

Battery Cells

Batteries come in a variety of shapes and sizes but the most common battery cells are cylindrical. This cell format has good mechanical stability and lends itself to automated manufacturing. Cylindrical cells cycle well and offer long calendar life. They also tend to be heavier than prismatic cells, which have improved space utilization and allow for modular designs but they are more expensive to manufacture.

At a very basic level, the battery cell is composed of one metallic cathode (positive), one metallic anode (negative) and an electrolyte that transports lithium ions between them. The chemical reactions that occur between the cathode and anode are what generates electrical current within the battery.

Often, battery cells are connected in series to increase voltage and capacity. Adding batteries in series requires care to ensure that each has the same voltage. Having different levels can lead to a short circuit that could cause overheating and fire.

Smart battery technology uses sensors to track and monitor the health of individual cells and their performance as a group. This allows for new insights into their degradation and helps drive new physics informed models that help to optimize battery management systems. This is critical in areas like electrifying transportation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Integrated monitoring and sensing technologies are also being used to provide data to inform battery system design and to prevent failures that might otherwise be missed.

Battery Management System

The BMS monitors various key battery parameters such as voltage, current, and temperature. It analyzes this data and takes necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the battery pack and all connected devices.

For instance, if the battery cells become too hot while charging, the BMS will limit the charge rate or shut off the system to prevent thermal runaway and potential fire. It also detects any short circuits and limits current flow in such cases to avoid any further damage.

Its temperature protection function is equally crucial, as it monitors the ambient temperature of the battery pack and opens and closes valves depending on the battery’s state of charge (SoC). This allows for passive or active cooling to maintain the battery’s SoC within specific temperatures that are safe for operation.

A smart BMS also handles cell balancing in multi-cell batteries, wherein it equalizes the voltage of each battery cell to ensure that all cells in a battery string operate at similar levels and extend battery lifespan.

Another useful function of a good BMS is its self-diagnosis function, where it runs tests to check that all functions and sensors are working properly. Once it 200ah lithium battery concludes that all is well, it will allow for continued operation. This is a vital feature because it helps identify any errors and prevents them from becoming worse over time.

Inverters and Converters

The lithium batteries found in mobile devices, power tools, electric vehicles and even on luxury yachts are a part of our everyday lives. Beyond the convenience of apps and digital media, these batteries are also used for life-saving medical equipment and emergency backup power in case of traditional grid power loss or instability.

The most important factor in determining the energy density of Li-ion batteries is their cathode material. Tin oxide in its various nanostructures has been explored as a cathode material for these batteries because it offers fast surface controlled lithium storage behavior, which improves reversible capacity, coulomb efficiency and cycle performance [113].

In addition, conducting polymers such as polyaniline (PANI), polypyrrole (PPY) and polythiophene (PTY) can be used to make nanocomposite cathodes with an inorganic filler or as standalone materials themselves. Polymer nanocomposites of tin oxide and graphene have been demonstrated to offer better electrochemical properties than the conventional layered graphite and LiCoO2/LiFePO4 cathodes currently used in commercial Li-ion batteries.

It is crucial that these batteries are recycled properly when they reach the end of their useful life. In the US, call2recycle is an excellent resource to find a local location where you can recycle your used batteries. Additionally, never dispose of any battery in your household garbage or recycling bins. They contain toxic chemicals that can cause fires and explosions.