However, their operation requires power to be supplied for example by Li-Ion batteries, which are increasingly popular due to their diverse applications. Let's see what properties of such batteries make manufacturers of diverse types of electronic devices use them more and more frequently.
Design of Li-Ion batteries
Li-Ion batteries consist of a cathode, anode, separator and electrolyte. The cathode may be made of different metal oxides, e.g. lithium cobalt(III) oxide (LiCoO2) or lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4). On the other hand, the anode is most commonly made of graphite. The key role is played here by lithium, whose ions move between the electrodes during discharging and charging. The electrolyte is usually a liquid that contains lithium salts dissolved in a mixture of organic solvents or a solid. The electrolyte is often produced from vinylene carbonate. Lithium-ion batteries consist of several small cells combined in packs. They are fully configurable, thus providing the desired voltage.
Advantages and disadvantages of the lithium-ion technology
Let us first discuss the advantages of Li-Ion batteries.
- High energy density: The Li-Ion technology features one of the highest energy densities, which allows large amounts of energy to be stored in small batteries.
- Low self-discharge: As compared to other types of batteries, these have a very low self-discharge rate and thus may store energy for a long time without a significant capacity drop.
- Long lifespan: Lithium-ion batteries have a long service life. The lifespan of standard cells ranges from 300 to 1000 charge cycles, but some have higher values.
- No memory effect: Unlike some other technologies, Li-Ion batteries virtually have no memory effect. Accordingly, they do not need to be fully discharged before being connected again to be charged.
- Charging rate: As compared to other popular batteries, lithium-ion batteries feature a faster charging rate, which is a major advantage especially for devices that use a lot of energy.
- Low environmental impact: The Li-Ion technology is much less detrimental to the environment than other solutions such as lead-acid or nickel-cadmium batteries. First of all, they do not contain heavy metals, which are hazardous for the environment. Moreover, less energy is wasted due to the higher efficiency and shorter duration of the charging process.
With the above-mentioned features, Li-Ion batteries are readily used and are becoming more common in a number of everyday devices. Sad to say, the lithium-ion technology also has disadvantages, which somehow restrict their applications. See below for some examples.
- High price: The production cost of Li-Ion batteries is higher than that of other solutions, which contributes to a high sale price.
- Deep discharge issue: If lithium-ion batteries are discharged below the recommended level, they may be irreparably damaged.
- Capacity degradation: Li-Ion batteries lose their capacity over time, even without intense use. This reduces the operation time of devices that use such batteries.
- Safety of use: Damaged lithium-ion batteries may explode or cause a fire. Extremely high temperatures or overcharging may also lead to such events.
Despite their disadvantages, lithium-ion batteries have a great number of diverse applications.
Where are Li-Ion batteries used?
The Li-Ion technology is now one of the most popular production methods for batteries. With their advantages shown above and their customisability, they are readily used in diverse types of devices.
So where will you find batteries of this type?
Consumer electronics
Lithium-ion batteries are primarily used in consumer electronics. You will find them in smartphones, computers, TV sets, laptops, wireless headphones, watches, cameras and many other electronic devices. They are commonly used in mobile devices of everyday use due to, among others, the high energy density, small sizes and long lifespan.
Electric vehicles
Electric and hybrid vehicles are a popular group of machines using lithium-ion batteries. The batteries are used because they are lighter than conventional lead-acid batteries while allowing for quite long travels between charges. The use of the batteries in state-of-the-art vehicles helps reduce exhaust CO2 emissions.
Energy storage
Both industrial and household energy storage systems are increasingly popular for the storage of energy from renewable sources such as wind or solar energy. Such systems use Li-Ion batteries.
Power tools
Due to their high performance and fast charging capability, lithium-ion batteries are readily used in most wireless power tools. You can find them in equipment such as: grinders, drills, sawing machines and many more.
Medical devices
Small sizes of Li-Ion batteries allow for their use in specialist medical devices. They are used for example in pacemakers, electrocardiographs, pressure monitors, medical trolleys and other life-saving equipment.
Those are but some of the chief applications of lithium-ion batteries. You will also find them in systems used for emergency energy supply, as well as in drones and remote-controlled vehicles. Experiments are conducted for their use in aviation.