All lithium-ion cell types have the word ‘lithium’ in their name, because this is the active material in their design. The rest of their name includes their other main elements, for example lithium-cobalt-oxide and lithium-manganese-oxide. Each of these designs has their own particular application. We discuss the four commonest of these chemistries in the short paragraphs that follow.
The Four Main Lithium-Ion Cell Types
Lithium-Cobalt-Oxide Cells (LiCoO2)
Lithium-cobalt-oxide cells have cobalt-oxide cathodes, and graphite-carbon anodes between which the lithium-ions shuttle. This design has low thermal stability, limited capacity and relatively short life span. They should only be charged at the specified rate, but are suitable for mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and cameras.
Lithium-Manganese-Oxide Cells (LiMn2O4)
Lithium-manganese-oxide cells substitute manganese for the cathode, but retain graphite carbon anodes to complete the lithium-ion shuttle pathway. Their lower internal cell resistance permits faster charging and discharging. These lithium-ion cell types are suitable for power tools, medical instruments, as well as hybrid and electric vehicles.
Lithium-Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt-Oxide (LiNiMnCoO2)
A blend of nickel-manganese-cobalt at the cathode is a successful combination for energy and power cells. That’s because nickel has high specific energy, while manganese contributes low internal resistance. This combination is popular for power tools, e-bikes and other electric power trains.
Lithium-Iron-Phosphate Cell Types (LiFePO4)
Lithium-iron-phosphate cells use lithium-ion-phosphate at their cathode, and graphite carbon with metallic backing for their anodes. This combination performs well and has low resistance making them possible substitutes for lead-acid batteries. However, delivering constant voltage for a long time could stress them, perhaps rendering them unsuitable for electric vehicles.
Each of these electrochemical alternatives has their own application. The differences reflect the ongoing search for better batteries worldwide. We have come a long road with lithium-ion technology, and it has made a great contribution to our dream of universal, renewable energy.
Unfortunately on the downside all lithium-ion cell types use scarce materials, and this holds their price high. We discuss their different shapes and sizes in the next post.
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