In today’s technological age, each of us encounters lithium-ion technology. Lithium-ion batteries are not only associated with electric vehicles or drones, but also with various types of power tools and even vacuum cleaners.
The first attempts at experimenting with lithium batteries were made as early as the beginning of the 20th century. Despite the enormous potential of lithium as a battery material, lithium batteries first appeared on the market only in the 1970s. Lithium is a metal characterized by the lowest density, a high electrochemical potential, and a high energy-to-mass ratio. A groundbreaking event in the development of lithium-ion cells was the creation of a new type of lithium battery by Professor John Goodenough and Koichi Mizushima at the University of Oxford. In these batteries, lithium could move thru the battery from one electrode to the other in the form of ions. This is how the basis for today’s lithium-ion batteries was created, the operating principle of which is shown in the figure below:
Rys. 1. Podstawowe elementy ogniwa elektrochemicznego (na przykładzie ogniwa litowo-jonowego).
Źródło: https://zpe.gov.pl/ „Co warto wiedzieć o ogniwach litowo-jonowych?”
During charging, lithium ions move from the carbon anode to the cathode coated with lithium oxide and another metal, where they are stored. During discharge, we see the reverse of this process.
A battery can contain any number of individual cells. Most lithium-ion batteries contain 18650 cells (corresponding to 18 mm in diameter and 65 mm in length), which are connected in series to achieve higher voltages. Identical cells can be found in both a 10.8V laptop battery and a Tesla battery with a voltage of over 400V and a maximum power output of 451 kW. However, it should be emphasized that Tesla’s battery will consist of over 7,000 18650-type cells.
What’s the difference between a cell and a classic battery? Cell It is a device designed for energy storage. It consists of electrodes, a separator, and an electrolyte. This is the cell, the source of the current, which is generated by the spontaneous transfer of one or more electrons from a donor atom, ion, or molecule (i.e., the reducing agent) to an acceptor (i.e., the oxidizing agent). However, the battery itself is a device that allows for the storage of electrical energy and enables its safe release.
Lithium-ion batteries only appeared on the commercial market in 1991. They were first used in Sony cameras at that time. Following the consumer electronics manufacturer, other companies began to follow suit.
The most important advantages of lithium-ion batteries
Due to their numerous advantages, lithium-ion batteries are increasingly being used in electric vehicles as well. Beside their main advantage, which is high energy density, batteries are characterized by the absence of a memory effect, low environmental impact, and significantly slower self-discharge compared to other types of batteries.
The lifespan and cycle life of lithium-ion batteries are relatively long when used properly and under optimal operating conditions. Additionally, compared to batteries of other technologies, lithium-ion batteries are more efficient, charge much faster, and are lighter. Lower weight is also significant for electric vehicles. A vehicle with such batteries can not only carry a larger load but also provides a greater driving range on a single charge. Lithium-ion batteries can be recharged at any time. There’s no need to wait for them to fully discharge, which makes them more convenient for everyday use.
There’s no fish without bones and no battery without flaws.
The biggest drawback of lithium-ion batteries is their high price. The cost of acquiring such batteries is, on average, three times higher compared to their traditional counterparts. Additionally, they are characterized by poor tolerance to low and very high temperatures. It is recommended to store and use the battery at temperatures between 0 – 35°C. Too low a temperature negatively affects their capacity, while too high a temperature shortens the lifespan of the cells. It shouldn’t be overlooked that a lithium-ion battery loses charge even when idle. The lifespan of a lithium-ion battery primarily depends on the intensity and manner of its use. Incorrect use significantly accelerates their wear and tear. The most harmful things for a battery are discharging it to 0% and leaving it in that state for an extended period.
Alternatives to Lithium-ion Batteries
One of the most popular alternatives to lithium-ion batteries are AGM lead-acid batteries. Because this type of battery handles shocks and tilting very well, they are most often installed in cars and electric vehicles. AGM technology also provides resistance to low temperatures, which is why lead-acid batteries are particularly recommended for use in moderate and colder climates.
