From “How Do Batteries Work?”: HOW DO LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES WORK?

EarthX-Lithium-Ion-Batter

EarthX Lithium Ion Batter

How do Lithium-ion batteries work?

Since their introduction as a watch battery in the late 1970’s, lithium-ion batteries have grown to become one of the most popular batteries in the consumer electronics market. Lithium batteries are used in every kind of device from computers to power drills. Their energy and recharging capacity make them ideal for portable electrical devices. It’s hard to imagine all the cell phones without lithium-ion batteries.

Lithium ion batteries work by moving positively charged lithium ions from one electrode to another inside the battery when connected in circuit. Electrons, released in the process, allow for the powering of your computer or cell phone. The electrodes are connected by an electrolyte which allows for the free movement of the ions. When a lithium battery is recharged, the ions move back to the original electrode, allowing the battery to be used again. When the battery is in operation, the lithium ions move from the negative electrode (graphite or other compounds) and insert into the lithium compound positive electrode. While the battery is charging, the lithium ions separate from the positive electrode and back to the negative one. Graphite is used predominately for the negative electrode since the sheets of carbon molecules make it ideal for intercalation (insertion) of the lithium ions. Other negative electrodes for lithium-ion batteries are made from lithium titanate, hard carbon, tin-cobalt or silicon-cobalt.

Although the concept of the lithium ion battery had been around for decades, lithium metal’s flammability made them difficult to use. Lithium metal is ideal for a battery material since it’s ions can rapidly move across an electrical gradient. But it also has a tendency to burst into fire when moisture is present. The metal reacts and releases hydrogen and oxygen, bursting into flame. This happens with many other of the metals in this part of the periodic table. I vividly remember a high school science teacher dropping a chunk of pure sodium into a beaker just to freak out the class when it went boom (don’t try this at home, kids!). The solution was to use lithium compounds which where the re-activity was much lower. But even today there are limits to how many lithium batteries can be carried on  an airplane.

Currently there are four major groups of lithium-ion batteries:(1), Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide, (2) Lithium Manganese Oxide, (3) Lithium Iron Phosphate and (4) lithium cobalt oxide. These are commonly known as (1) NMC, (2) LMO, (3) LFP and (4) LCO. There are also lithium-ion polymer batteries (“LiPo’s”) where the electrolyte is either a solid polymer or a gel structure (although the later are not “true” LiPo’s). Since NMC’s are excellent on specific energy, they are used for portable tools and power-trains. LMO’s are very stable, due to their internal 3-D structure, and are used to power medical devices. Since LPO’s have a high current rating and a long life cycle, they are used in situations needing a high load current and endurance. LCO’s have been in use since 1991 and power cell phones, laptops and tablets. Research is undergoing to find better and more effective lithium compounds for use as battery material.

Because of the flammability issue, Lithium ion batteries need to be in a sealed container, away from the harmful effects of moisture. There have been a number of exaggerated cases of lithium-ion batteries bursting into flame (or “rapid disassembly” in  the vernacular), but with the rise of lithium compounds, this isn’t much of a concern. Still, safety rules need to be followed.

To ensure a safe operation, lithium-ion batteries need a battery management system to prevent the battery from improperly charging or discharging. Known as “smart batteries” each lithium-ion battery should have circuitry which monitors its performance. Some smart batteries even communicate with the unit they are powering. Should the battery behave detrimentally to the external unit, it will be shut-down.

Most lithium-ion batteries have a 3-year lifespan, depending on use. The lithium-ion battery is low maintenance, with no need to cycle it before use. It does not have “memory”, as do some other batteries. Most lithium batteries will last 1000 recharging cycles, more than enough for the average cell phone user.

Lithium ion batteries have found use as starting batteries for cars and power sports, but are not in general use for the average driver. They are far lighter than the average lead acid starter battery, but are several times more expensive. However, lithium batteries are constantly improving, so they may yet replace the lead acid starter battery. They are increasing being used as starter batteries for motorcycles.

Lithium ion batteries power many of the portable electronic devices we use in our daily lives and will continue to do so for years to come. They are subject of ongoing research into increasing battery efficiency. Expect to see better and less expensive lithium-ion batteries in the future.

This was previously published in on How Do Batteries Work? 3/5/2015

About Timothy L Mayer

Timothy Mayer has written 313 post in this blog.

I'm a full-time ghost writer, business owner, expert on spy fiction, martial artist, tax payer and self-appointed expert on obscure movies. Available for lectures. Donations appreciated

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments