Did you ever wonder how lithium-ion batteries work so well? Well the secret is in the lithium metal, which is the lightest of all metals with the greatest specific energy by weight. And it also happens to deliver the highest density, which is a critical factor in small devices. However, that does not tell us how these batteries actually work. To discover this, we have to look inside a lithium battery.
Looking Inside to Discover How Lithium-Ion Batteries Work
All electro-chemical batteries (the ones consumers use routinely) have electrodes, separators, electrolyte, and two current collectors. The efficiency of a particular battery cell depends on the materials it employs, and that is where lithium metal comes in. The active lithium ions shuttle between the electrodes, releasing electricity to the external circuit.
Energy Density Versus Power Making Lithium-ion Batteries Work
Energy density and power density are critical factors behind electro-chemical battery performance.
- Energy density in terms of watt-hours per kilogram is the amount of energy a battery can store.
- While power density in terms of watts per kilogram is the amount of power the battery can generate.
And so, by way of an everyday comparison, we could say that energy density is similar to the size of a swimming pool. While power density would be the ability of a pump to drain that swimming pool.
A Lithium Battery’s Secret To Success Is Greater Density
Greater density means a lithium-ion battery can store more power, and discharge it at higher voltage. This is why these batteries can provide a higher electric current, as the lithium ions flow across to the cathode while discharging. And seamlessly move back to the anode while recharging with greater efficiency too.
Nonetheless, and underscoring these achievements, lithium-ion batteries still have several drawbacks. The greatest of these is their flammability which can set off from misuse, or spread of dendrites. Nonetheless, they remain a significant achievement of the 21st century.
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