Lithium Ion Chemistry

Lithium-ion chemistry is not the same as primary lithium chemistry, there is no lithium metal in a Lithium-ion cell.This means no lithium metal to overheat and melt and no passivation layer to remove before use or set before storage.

Instantaneous current response which means there is no dip and recover.‏ The cells are much more forgiving to abuse and may be reversed without exploding. Fully discharged cells are "safe" and decomposition products are much less hostile

Lithium-ion battery technology was commercialized and introduced by Sony as a ~1.1Ah cell in 1991 (modern chemistries go back to about 1998)‏. Current SOA delivers >3Ah in same package

Cathodes (+): LiNiCoO2, LiMn2O4, LiNiCoAlO2, LiFePO4, LiNiMnCoO2, etc.

Anodes (-): Coke, MCMB, Graphite, Hard Carbon, Tin, Lithium Titanate

Electrolytes: Typically LiPF6 in a blend of organic carbonates. Customized to application.

Separators: Typically PE, PP or blend. (others viable)‏

LiCoO2: The “original” material. Highest Cost and lower energy than alloys. Flattest discharge curve and highest average voltage. Morphology is often as important as alloy.

LiNiCoO2, LiNiCOAlO2: 33% more capacity, 20-25% more energy, and at least comparable performance to LiCoO2.

LiMn2O4: Not viable for military. Low cost but low energy and low temperature stability – still evolving.

LiNiCoMnO2: Slightly lower cost and lower energy. More Stable.

Iron Phosphate: ‏Cheaper, 20% lower energy, good cycle life, good rate capability.‏