Separators in Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries literally separate the anode and cathode to prevent a short circuit. Modern separator technology also contributes to a cell’s thermal stability and safety. Separators impact several battery performance parameters, including cycle life, energy and power density, and safety. The separator increases internal cell resistance, and the separator takes up valuable…
Li-ion batteries, Part 3: anodes
There are numerous cathode materials used in Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries optimized for various aspects of performance, but the majority of all Li-ions still use graphite anodes. That may be set to change. The use of graphite with a theoretical gravimetric capacity of about 370mAh/g is being challenged by new materials under development that offer gravimetric…
Li-ion batteries, Part 2: cathodes
Among the various components involved in a lithium-ion cell, cathodes (the positive or oxidizing electrodes) currently limit the energy density and dominate the battery cost. Today’s common cobalt (Co) and manganese (Mn) based cathodes were developed to overcome safety concerns with Li-metal anodes. This FAQ begins with a brief look at the longer-term trajectory of…
Li-ion batteries: building massless batteries
Battery cells, modules, and systems support many electronic, transportation, and energy applications. This article briefly reviews the operation of rechargeable batteries and looks at the energy storage value chain; it then presents common battery cell formats and how battery cells are assembled into modules and systems, reviews the development of multi-function structural battery packs, and…
New technique extends lithium-metal battery life
Examine a toy with a rechargeable battery and you are likely to find a lithium-polymer cell powering the works. But a new kind of battery architecture called lithium-metal is getting a lot of attention these days because it has a capacity and energy density potentially far exceeding that of lithium-polymer versions. Lithium-metal batteries use lithium…
Don’t rush to choose rechargeable batteries…at least, not yet
Using energy harvesting and a rechargeable battery to power a remote wireless IoT node seems like an obvious and straightforward solution, but there are some unique aspects to consider. Don’t get me wrong: I really like rechargeable batteries; in fact, I like them a lot. Whether based on lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, lithium-ion, or other chemistry, our […]
Lithium-ion battery chemistries
Lithium-ion batteries are a popular type of rechargeable battery which stores energy in lithium ions. They typically have a lithium metal oxide cathode and a graphite anode, separated by a thin layer of lithium salt solution acting as the electrolyte. Different battery chemistries use different cathode, anode, and electrolyte materials to change the battery’s performance.…
Lithium-iron phosphate batteries are scalable to 800 V
electroVolt announces its new PRISLogic Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries. Engineered for safety and reliability, the PRISLogic prismatic cells provide the highest level of performance without the cost, complexity, and lead time of a custom-built solution. Designed to support a variety of specialized applications, including telecommunications, data center backup, material handling, and unmanned systems, the 12.8v PRISLogic modules are […]
18650, 21700, 30700, 4680 and other Li-ions – what’s the difference?
There are many sizes of cylindrical lithium-ion (Li-ion) cells, and the number of sizes continues to grow. Some are optimized for use in simple devices such as toys and flashlights; others are mainly found powering portable electronics and electric vehicles. This FAQ begins by reviewing the broad landscape of cylindrical Li-ions, including protected and non-protected…
Researchers devise PV cell/battery combo that recharges itself
A group of researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have come up with a coin cell that uses lead-free, bismuth-based, all-inorganic halide perovskite as an anode which also incorporates a photovoltaic cell to recharge itself. Writing in the June 2021 journal Nano Letters, the group says they developed a perovskite that…