Mechanism

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Lithium batteries are based on a principle of moving lithium ions through the electrolyte from one electrode to another depending on whether it is in the process of charging or discharging. Usually the electrolyte is formed by a lithium salt dissolved in an organic component.

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Capacities and lifecycle

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The full charge of a lithium battery is determined because the voltage threshold is reached and the current drops to 3% of the rated current. However, charging and discharging the battery in its entirety should be avoided. They are characterised by a service life between 400 and 1200 cycles with a charge and discharge efficiency of 90%. The price of these round around $2.5 per Wh. 

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Applications

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The main applications in which this type of battery is currently used are in portable and intelligent devices and in electric vehicles.

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Advantages

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Among the advantages of this type of batteries is its low cost of production and maintenance, have a low environmental impact reducing the carbon footprint for life that other batteries have and its high performance due to the properties of lithium, which give the ability to contain and deliver a large amount of current in small cells.

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Disadvantages

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Among the disadvantages is that lithium, being a lighter metal with a higher electrochemical potential, is very reactive, so due to its violent reaction in contact with both water and nitrogen in the air, cells must always be built sealed and even with safety ventilation systems.

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Project: Tesla installs the world's largest battery in Australia to end blackouts.

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