How to Dispose of Lithium Coin Batteries-Introduction,Cycle Life and Disposal

We all know that lithium batteries are gaining popularity all over the world. Lithium batteries come in all sizes and varieties. Lithium coin batteries are smaller in size and are suitable for small portable devices. However, lithium rechargeable batteries also come in smaller sizes but they have low capabilities. Hence, small and energy-hungry appliances use disposable lithium batteries.

What is Lithium Coin Battery

Lithium coin batteries or small button batteries came to power in the 1970s. Lithium coin batteries can use three types of positive electrodes. Manganese dioxide, Carbon monofluoride, and Copper Oxide, but the negative electrode remains the same i.e. lithium. Lithium coin batteries are the only coin size batteries that use an organic electrolyte. While the others use alkaline electrolytes.  The nominal voltage of button lithium batteries is 3 when the negative electrodes are Manganese dioxide and Carbon monofluoride while copper oxide gives the nominal voltage of 1.5V. The lithium batteries with the negative electrode of Manganese dioxide are the common ones because they are more stable.

Lithium coin batteries have a very wide range of uses.

They can be used in timekeeping. Electric wristwatches being the common ones. However, they can be used in backup power for personal computer real-time clocks.

Lithium batteries are also used in the backup power for SRAM.

Laser pointers, Small LED flashlights, Electric candles, LED Bicycle head or tail lighting, Red dot sights, and electronic spotting scopes are also the popular market for Lithium coin batteries.

They can also be used in pocket computers like calculators and small PDA devices.

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They can also be used in medical devices that include glucometers, Heart rate monitors, hearing aids, digital thermometers, etc.

They are also used in various electronic toys.

They are also used in cameras.

They can also be used in security tokens, small remote controls, and fitness devices.

You must be thinking that lithium coin batteries which are not even rechargeable are widely used in all fields. But, Why Let us shed some light on why lithium button or coin cells are this much popular.

Lithium coin batteries are small and light making them popular for the usage. They have a longer shelf life. They are fairly inexpensive per unit even though they can’t be recharged. They have high internal resistance and don’t provide a lot of current making them safe to use. The organic electrolytes that are used in lithium coin batteries have a solidifying point then the aqueous solution electrolytes, making them superior in terms of leakage resistances under environmental conditions. Even under the circumstanceses of heat shock, high temperature and humid conditions the lithium batteries have stable characteristics. If preservation conditions are maintained and taken care of then the battery can last even after 10 years of storage. They have high energy density making them perfect for small portable devices. Lithium batteries are also capable of surviving in different temperatures.

Multiple brands manufacture lithium coin batteries. Lithium coin batteries come in various sizes and kinds. Panasonic and Energizer are the common brands that produce high-quality lithium coin batteries. However, you can also buy the one from Duracell.

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How Long does a Lithium Coin Battery Last

Lithium coin batteries are preferred over conventional batteries because of their high energy designity, high voltage, and most importantly longer shelf life. They have a longer shelf life that can even replace two or three conventional batteries. The low self-degradation capability of lithium coin batteries contributes to the longer shelf life. The lithium coin batteries can last for up to 10 years in the room temperature and relative humidity. In the normal room temperature and humid conditions, the battery will lose approximately 1% of its per year. This happens due to ingress and egress of vapors through the seal.

However, after the years of storage lithium coin batteries develops a poor perceptible conducting passivation layer. Now you must think about what is passivation Passivation is a formation of a thin resistive layer on the anode as a result of and outcome of a chemical reaction between electrolyte and anode. This layer reduces the rate of self-discharge of the battery by slowing the chemical reactions. The passivation layer after a long period of storage contributes to a higher initial internal resistance and an increased voltage drop when the battery is first used after storage. Once we put a load on the battery the passivation layer will eventually become thin leading to a returned normal internal resistance.

How do you Dispose of Lithium Coin Batteries

Disposing of the batteries properly is a serious concern and we should be responsible enough to dispose of the batteries in the proper way and at the proper place. Lithium coin batteries are safe to use but the ingestion of these batteries can be a really serious hazard. As lithium coin batteries are also used in the toys of children, extra care is required. Many cases of ingestion of lithium coin batteries and getting stuck in the oesophagus are recorded in the pediatric population. The damage can be done by the electric current in the battery. Lithium batteries especially contain a  residual charge and can lead you to difficulty. Hence, the correct disposal is very necessary.

To avoid these circumstances you must use the lithium coin batteries cover when using them in the toys and other appliances easily reachable for children. Lithium batteries can be disposed of like any other battery. But, don’t dispose of them in your household bins. Dispose them outside your home in the proper bins. You can also dispose them of in a battery recycling center or battery drop off place. It's recommended using gloves while disposing of damaged and swollen lithium coin batteries. Cover the terminals of batteries with tape so that they can be a hazard. Also, keep in mind that don’t dispose of the different types of batteries together. The adverse chemical reactions can be a hazard to you and your environment.