Lithium Ion Batteries

Lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries are sometimes called lithium-carbon batteries. They have a rechargeable cell whose negative active material is carbon, and to which lithium cations are intercalated or deintercalated during the charge-discharge process. Lithium ion (Li-ion) is one of the newer rechargeable battery technologies. Lithium ion batteries can deliver 40% more capacity than comparably sized nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, and are one of the lightest rechargeable batteries available today. Li-ion batteries are the batteries of choice in notebook computers, wireless telephones and many camcorder models. They are also one of the more expensive rechargeable technologies.

There are three main types of lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries: lithium / cobalt oxide, lithium / nickel oxide, and lithium / manganese oxide. Lithium / cobalt oxide cathode batteries (LiCoO2) are very light and have an energy density about three times higher than that of conventional rechargeable batteries. They are used as the power source for various portable and mobile IT instruments which require a reduced weight and volume. In terms of the environment, lithium / cobalt batteries are desirable because they don't contain harmful elements such as lead and cadmium. Lithium / nickel oxide positive electrode (LiNiO2) batteries have a capacity that is almost 40% greater than currently mass-produced batteries. Many can withstand about 500 charge cycles. Lithium / manganese oxide batteries (LiMn2O4) are characterized by high energy density, high power density, good storage life and discharge performance. These lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries provide significant advantages over alkaline batteries and are priced modestly.