Pros and Cons of Lithium-ion Batteries: Definition, Chemistry, Performance...

A lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery and it is also known as Li-ion battery. These batteries are commonly found in a wide range of applications. They provide some distinct and remarkable advantage and enhancements over other types of battery.

However, like all other batteries available, lithium-ion batteries have their own advantages and limitations. In order to gain a better understanding of the Li-ion battery technology, it’s important to know only pros, but also the cons. That’s why we come up this post to help you learn more about lithium-ion batteries.

Why Is Lithium-ion Battery Popular These Years?

At present, lithium-ion batteries are used for consumer or portable electronics, which include smartphones, laptops, PCS and electric vehicles too. The amazing thing is that these batteries become popular forspecial and military applications as well.

Well, in lithium-ion batteries, ions move from the -ve electrode to +ve electrode during discharge and from +ve electrode to -ve electrode during the charging. They utilize intercalated lithium compounds as an electrode material. They feature a high energy density, low self-discharge, no memory effect and appropriate battery choice for storing high-capacity power. That’s why lithium-ion batteries are so popular in the market and commonly found in so many applications.

Moreover, lithium-ion batteries are growing popularity these years also because of a number of advantages (that you will get to know at the end of the article) they offer over other competing technologies.

Is Lithium-ion Battery the Best Battery?

Lithium-ion batteries were initially introduced commercially by Sony in the year 1991. Even since then, a lot of enhancements and research is done to boost the performance of these batteries. At present, they are indispensable. Without a doubt, it can be regarded as the dominant technology that is used in various portable electronic devices. When it comes to electric vehicles, they can be considered as the preferred option these years.

Even though this technology is yet rather underexploited in the industry of power supply systems, especially in photovoltaic’s and wind power; it still has massive global potential in regards to energy sustainability and reductions in carbon emissions. Also, these batteries can be considered as batteries, which could change the world. They have become the first choice these years in a lot of consumer electronics and electric vehicles.

However, there are also shortcomings of these batteries. But, one thing is for sure that these batteries are revolutionary in nature and they have bought about a remarkable change in the batteries world. These batteries are a little bit expensive in their present form and that’s reasons why there are some people who don’t prefer them. But, if the price is reduced, then they could become more popular. In any case, Lithium-ion batteries can be considered as the best battery when compared with other forms of battery available for consumer electronics and electric vehicles.

Advantages and Limitations of Lithium-ion Battery

Every battery has its own pros and cons. And there is no exception when it comes to lithium-ion batteries. So, let’s explore the advantages and shortcomings of these batteries-

Here are its major advantages-

· High Energy Density

The high energy density is one of the biggest advantages of these batteries. With electronic devices like smartphones that need to run longer while consuming more energy or power, there is always a requirement for batteries offering a much high energy density. Also, there are many other power applications. The high energy density provided by lithium-ion batteries is a remarkable advantage.

· Low Self-Discharge

One significant problem with most rechargeable batteries is the “self-discharge rate”. The good news is that lithium-ion batteries have low self-discharge than any other rechargeable batteries like NiMH and Ni-Cad.  Because of their low self-discharge rate, they are commonly used in portable devices.

· Low Maintenance

Another one of the remarkable advantages of lithium-ion batteries is that they don’t require much maintenance for ensuring their performance. Other types of rechargeable batteries need a periodic discharge to make sure that they didn’t get the memory effect.  There is no such thing when it comes to lithium-ion batteries.

· Availability of Different Types

There are numerous types of lithium-ion batteries available today. This advantage indicates that the right technology can be easily used for the specific application. Some types of lithium-ion batteries offer a high current density and are suitable for consumer applications. Others offer much higher current levels and are perfect for electric vehicles and power tools.

Here are its major limitations-

· Protection Required

Lithium-ion batteries aren’t as robust as some other types of rechargeable batteries. They need protection from being over-discharged or charged too far. Also, they required to have the current maintained within secure limits.

· Ageing

One of the biggest disadvantages of lithium-ion batteries is that they suffer from ageing. Generally, they aren’t able to withstand 500 to 1000 charge and discharge cycles before the capacity falls of these batteries.

· Cost

Another of the remarkable shortcomings of the lithium-ion batteries is their cost. They are quite expensive as compared to other batteries available. That’s why many people don’t prefer to use them, but as we told earlier, if the price gets reduced, then these batteries could become more popular.

· Immature Technology

Even though lithium-ion batteries have been around for many years, they can yet be regarded as an immature technology as it is quite much a developing area. This can be a big disadvantage in regards to the fact that technology doesn’t remain constant. But, it can be an advantage also as better solutions or enhancements are coming available.

That’s all on lithium-ion batteries. As you can now see that these batteries have both major advantages and disadvantages’ that can’t be ignored at all. But, lithium-ion batteries pros outweigh the limitations and that’s why they are considered as the future of the battery world.