France | Posted on August 2nd, 2008
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are currently used in most portable consumer electronics. I mean such as cell phones and laptops. However, it’s getting into camera batteries soon and the amount that’ll go into electric cars soon will be enormous.
All because of their high energy per unit mass. That’s relative to other electrical energy storage systems. They also have a high power-to-weight ratio. Also they are really high energy efficiency. Moreover good high-temperature performance. Finally and low self-discharge.
Most components of lithium-ion batteries can be recycled. However, the cost of material recovery remains a challenge for the industry. The U.S. Department of Energy is also supporting the Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Prize. All to develop and demonstrate profitable solutions. That’s for collecting, sorting, storing, and transporting spent and discarded lithium-ion batteries. That’s for eventual energy storage, recycling and materials recovery.
Most of today’s all-electric vehicles and PHEVs use lithium-ion batteries. All though the exact chemistry often varies from that of consumer electronics batteries. Research and development are ongoing to reduce their relatively high cost, extend their useful life, and address safety concerns in regard to overheating.
Lithium-ion batteries store three to four times more energy per unit mass than traditional batteries. For they are now used extensively in portable electronic devices (computers, cell phones, MP3 players, etc.). The positive electrode materials in these batteries are highly effective. However, I have heard and it is too expensive. Especially to be used in the large batteries needed for electric vehicles. As well as second generation hybrid vehicles.
Lithium Iron Phosphate
In the future, these applications may rely on lithium iron phosphate. For it is environmentally friendly and has exceptional properties. Thereby combined with low cost. Also good thermal stability (important for safety reasons). All these qualities make it the best candidate to be used. Especially in batteries for future electric cars.
Source: US Department of Energy
