What is a cylindrical lithium-ion battery?

The cylindrical lithium-ion battery is a rechargeable battery characterized by its cylindrical shape. It is a design for lithium-ion batteries widely and commonly used globally. The cylindrical lithium-ion battery consists of single or more cells that are cylindrical connected or stacked in parallel. It is to provide the desired capacity and voltage. The 18650 cell is the most popular and widely known cylindrical lithium-ion battery. The 18650 cells are named for their dimensions, approximately 65 millimeters in length and 18 millimeters in diameter. Other sizes are available, including the 21700 and 26650 cells with different lengths and diameters.

Cylindrical lithium-ion batteries have often been used widely in several applications, such as power tools, portable electronics, energy storage systems, and electric vehicles. They present some advantages, such as long cycle life, good performance in terms of discharge, and high energy density. They are a good match and option for high-power applications requiring rapid charging and discharging rates, as their cylindrical shape gives room for efficiency in heat dissipation.

While cylindrical lithium-ion batteries are common and widely used, other battery form factors are available such as pouch and prismatic cells. These, too, have their separate advantages and disadvantages and applications.

What does a cylindrical lithium-ion battery mean?

Characterized by its cylindrical shape, this is a type of rechargeable battery which uses lithium-ion technology. It consists of one or more individual interconnected cylindrical cells to ensure the desired capacity and voltage are provided. Several components are used in making the basic structure of a cylindrical lithium-ion battery, including;

1.Electrode- the lithium-ion battery has two electrodes named the anode and cathode, which are the negative and positive electrodes. The cathode is made of lithium-based compounds like lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4), lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2), or lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4). On the other hand, the anode is made of graphite. The materials allow reversible intercalation (insertion and extraction) of lithium-ions during charging and discharging.

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2.Electrolyte- a chemical medium that facilitates the travel of lithium ions between the positive and negative electrodes during battery operation. The electrolyte separates the electrodes. Usually, the electrolyte is a lithium salt that is dissolved in an organic solvent. For improvement in energy density and safety precautions, solid-state electrolyte development and production are underway.

3.Separator- This is a thin porous membrane between the anode and cathode to prevent short circuits and direct contact. The separator prevents the mixing of the negative and positive materials while allowing the passage of lithium ions.

4.Cylindrical shell- a cylindrical metal shell usually made of aluminum or steel encloses the entire cell. The shell provides mechanical protection and acts as the outer casing for the battery. The shell is open at one end to allow insertion of the electrode assembly and prevent leaks by sealing.

Lithium ions travel from the cathode to the anode during the charging process, where they are stored. The ions migrate from the anode and back to the cathode during discharging causing the generation of an electric current used in powering different systems and devices.

What is the cylindrical lithium-ion battery type?

The specific materials in constructing the cylindrical lithium-ion batteries distinguish the presented types. The common types include;

1.Lithium Manganese Oxide (LiMn2O4)- cylindrical lithium-ion batteries composed of manganese oxide cathodes presets a balance between safety, power output, and energy density. LMO batteries are commonly used in medical devices, electric bikes, and power tools. Compared to LCO batteries, these have better thermal stability and are less prone to thermal runaway.

2.Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO2)- the cathode material used by this type is lithium cobalt oxide. They are known for providing a huge amount of energy storage due to their high energy density. They are common in digital cameras and portable electronics like smartphones and laptops.

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3.Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)- the cathode used here is lithium iron phosphate. The main factors that characterize it are enhanced safety, long cycle life, and quality thermal stability. They are commonly used in applications that require safety and longevity, renewable energy storage systems, and electric vehicles.

4.Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC)- The NMC cathode batteries have a balance power capability and energy density. They are common in energy storage systems and hybrid electric vehicles.

5.Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA)- cylindrical lithium-ion batteries containing NCA cathodes provide high power output and energy density. They are used in high-performance applications like aerospace applications.

Each type of cylindrical lithium-ion battery available has limitations and advantages, making them suitable for various applications based on safety considerations, power output, and energy density requirements.

Prismatic Battery Vs Lithium-ion

It is important to beware that prismatic batteries are a kind of lithium-ion battery when comparing as it will be between varying designs and form factors within the lithium-ion battery family.

1. Shape and design; prismatic batteries resemble a thin flat pouch with a square or rectangular shape. They are composed of stacked layers of separators and electrodes enclosed in a flexible plastic or aluminum case or pouch.

Cylindrical lithium-ion batteries are cylindrical and are composed of one or more cylindrical cells. The casing is metallic, either from steel or aluminum.

2.   Energy density; prismatic batteries have higher energy density. Their shape allows for more efficiency in packaging and space utilization.

Cylindrical lithium-ion battery- the energy density is lower but still widely used.

3. The power output in prismatic batteries is lower and may not be suitable for applications that demand rapid charging and discharging.

Cylindrical lithium-ion batteries possess excellent power output capabilities. They are commonly used in high-power applications as they can handle higher current loads.

4. Safety; prismatic batteries have a more rigid design which reduces the risk of swelling and expanding, providing improved safety.

Cylindrical lithium-ion batteries have a slightly higher risk of thermal runaway and swelling than prismatic batteries.

5. Applications; Prismatic batteries are widely used in compact and slim devices like smartphones where thin form factor and space efficiency is crucial.

Cylindrical lithium-ion batteries are used in larger portable electronics and electric vehicles.

Conclusion

The cylindrical lithium-ion battery is a kind of rechargeable battery characterized by its cylindrical shape and produced in different types. The components used distinguish the kind of battery type. The prismatic and cylindrical battery types have pros and cons, and the choice depends on the applications' requirements.