subject: Lithium-ion batteries will pave the way for the new millennium [print this page] Lithium-ion batteries will pave the way for the new millennium
For several years, a Nickel-cadmium (NiCd)battery were the only usable in portable devices such as wireless communication devices and laptop computers. In 1990, a Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) and lithium-ion (Li-ion) have been put on the market, offering a greater capacity. The chemical compositions of the two batteries were in fierce competition, each claiming to offer better performance and smaller dimensions.
What chemistry win, and what system will pave the way for the new millennium? The winner is the Li-ion, especially for small portable.
The Li-ion thinkpad t61 batteryrequires little maintenance, which is an advantage that no other chemistry can match. There is no memory and no periodic cycling is required to extend the life of the battery. In addition to its high energy density and low weight, the degree of self-discharge Li-ion battery is two times lower than that of NiCd and NiMH batteries, which makes the Li-ion product which is well suited to modern applications using fuel gauges.
For cons, the Li-ion is fragile and requires a protection circuit to ensure safe operation. The charge current is moderate, and the battery must be conducted according to rigorous standards. In addition, the Li-ion battery is subject to aging, whether used or not.
Historical
The pioneering work on the lithium battery from 1912 with G. N. Lewis, however it took until early 1970 before placing on the market first batteries Non-rechargeable lithium batteries. Attempts to develop rechargeable lithium batteries followed in the 1980s, however, they failed because of problems related to security.
Lithium is the lightest metal, it offers the greatest electrochemical potential and it generates the greatest amount of energy. Rechargeable battery using lithium metal as negative electrode (anode) can provide a high voltage and high energy capacity, resulting in an extraordinarily high energy density.
After much research on rechargeable lithium thinkpad t60p series battery during the 1980s, it was discovered that the cycling alters the lithium electrode, which reduces its thermal stability, causing a loss of potential heat. If this occurs, the temperature of the element is rapidly approaching the melting point of lithium, resulting in a violent reaction. A large quantity of lithium ion rechargeable batteries that were shipped to Japan have been recalled in 1991 after a battery used in cell phones was generated hot gases, which inflicted burns to the face of a man.
Because of the inherent instability of lithium metal, especially during charging, research has been redirected to a non-lithium metal using the lithium-ion thinkpad t60 battery. Although its energy density is slightly lower than that of lithium metal, the Li-ion battery is safe, provided certain precautions are taken during charging and discharging. In 1991, Sony Corporation commercialized the first Li-ion. Other manufacturers have followed thereafter. Today, the battery chemistry Li-ion battery that knows the fastest growing and is the most promising.
