Liion

Liion, short for lithium-ion, is a family of rechargeable battery technologies in which lithium ions shuttle between a graphite anode and a lithium metal oxide cathode during charge and discharge. They are closed, sealed cells that rely on an organic electrolyte to transport ions, enabling compact, lightweight power sources for a wide range of devices.

Typical Liion cells have nominal voltages around 3.6 to 3.7 volts, with full charges near 4.1 to 4.2 volts. They offer high energy density, relatively low self-discharge, and good cycle life, contributing to their prevalence in portable electronics, electric vehicles, and grid storage. Performance depends on chemistry, form factor, and operating conditions.

Common Liion chemistries include lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), lithium manganese oxide (LMO), and lithium iron phosphate (LFP). Each chemistry balances energy density, power output, thermal stability, lifespan, and cost differently. The cathode material and electrolyte choices influence safety and performance, with ongoing research to optimize stability and durability.

History and development: Liion technology emerged in the late 20th century, with Sony and collaborators commercializing the first Liion batteries in the early 1990s. Since then, materials science, manufacturing, and supply chains have accelerated, improving energy density and reducing costs while expanding applications from mobile devices to electric vehicles and large-scale storage.

Safety and management: Liion cells require battery management systems and thermal management to monitor voltage, temperature, and state of charge. Improper charging, physical damage, or overheating can lead to thermal runaway, underscoring the importance of protection circuits and safe handling.

End of life: Recycling recovers lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and other materials. Growing recycling programs aim to secure materials supplies and reduce environmental impact.