Week 1 Challenge

Understanding Different Battery Chemistry

Abhishek Patil | 15/04/2022

Objective

1.Prepare a table which includes materials & chemical reactions occurring at the anode and cathode of LCO, LMO, NCA, NMC, LFP and LTO type of lithium-ion cells. Give your detailed explanation on it

2.Compare the differences between each type of Li+ion batteries based on their characteristics

What is a Battery?

Batteries are a collection of one or more cells whose chemical reactions create a flow of electrons in a circuit. All batteries are made up of three basic components: an anode (the '-' side), a cathode (the '+' side), and some kind of electrolyte (a substance that chemically reacts with the anode and cathode).

Batteries that must be thrown away after use are known as primary batteries. Batteries that can be recharged are called secondary batteries.

Components

Anode

In a battery, the chemical reaction between the anode and electrolyte causes a build up of electrons in the anode.

Cathode

Electrons flow into the cathode in a device connected to a circuit. This means that conventional "current" flows out from a cathode. In batteries, the chemical reaction in or around the cathode uses the electrons produced in the anode.

Electrolyte

The electrolyte is the substance, often a liquid or gel, that is capable of transporting ions between the chemical reactions that happen at the anode and cathode. The electrolyte also inhibits the flow of electrons between the anode and cathode so that the electrons more easily flow through the external circuit rather than through the electrolyte.

Separator

Separators are porous materials that prevent the anode and cathode from touching, which would cause a short circuit in the battery. Separators can be made from a variety of materials, including cotton, nylon, polyester, cardboard, and synthetic polymer films. Separators do not chemically react with either the anode, cathode, or electrolyte.

Lithium-ion Batteries

A lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery that is charged and discharged by lithium ions moving between the negative (anode) and positive (cathode) electrodes.
Because lithium-ion batteries are suitable for storing high-capacity power, they are used in a wide range of applications, including consumer electronics such as smartphones and PCs, industrial robots, production equipment and automobiles.

Types of Li-ion batteries

Name Voltage Specific Energy Charge (c-rate) Discharge (c-rate) Cycle Life Thermal runway Applications Snapshot Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO2) — LCO 3.60V nominal 150–200Wh/kg. 0.7–1C, charges to 4.20V (most cells); 3h charge typical. 1C; 2.50V cut off. 500–1000 150°C (302°F). Full charge promotes thermal runaway Mobile phones, tablets, laptops, cameras Lithium Manganese Oxide: LiMn2O4 3.70V (3.80V) nominal 100–150Wh/kg 0.7–1C typical, 3C maximum 1C 300–700 250°C (482°F) typical Power tools, medical devices, electric powertrains Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (LiNiMnCoO2) — NMC 3.60V, 3.70V nominal 150–220Wh/kg 0.7–1C 1C 1000–2000 210°C (410°F) typical E-bikes, medical devices, EVs, industrial Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) — LFP 3.20, 3.30V nominal 90–120Wh/kg 1C typical 1C 2000 and higher 270°C (518°F) Portable and stationary needing high load currents and endurance Lithium Titanate (Li2TiO3) — LTO 2.40V nominal 50–80Wh/kg 1C typica 10C possible 3,000–7,000 One of safest Li-ion batteries UPS, electric powertrain (Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Honda Fit EV), solar-powered street lighting