Classification of ternary lithium-ion batteries
1. Ternary polymer lithium-ion battery
Ternary polymer lithium-ion batteries refer to lithium-ion batteries that use lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (Li(NiCoMn)O2) as the positive electrode material and a gel polymer electrolyte. The electrolyte, as the transport medium for ion movement, is generally composed of a solvent and lithium salt. Important electrolytes for lithium secondary batteries include liquid electrolytes, ionic liquid electrolytes, solid polymer electrolytes, and gel polymer electrolytes. Their greatest advantage is the high mechanical strength of the separator, as the thin film provides a large surface area. The thinner the film, the higher the energy density, because more active material can be embedded in the battery.
2. Ternary lithium-ion batteries
The term "power ternary lithium-ion battery" refers to a battery that supports high-rate, high-current discharge, has high power density, and releases a large amount of energy per unit time. Rate discharge capability refers to the battery's ability to maintain capacity when the charge/discharge rate increases. The charge/discharge rate is represented by xC; 1C means the battery's nominal capacity can be used up in 1 hour, while a 2C rate discharge allows it to be used for 30 minutes.
For ternary lithium-ion batteries, Panasonic of Japan has conducted the most research and has the most mature technology. In the experimental stage, it can achieve 30C discharge. Among them, the 18650 ternary lithium-ion battery for power use, which has been successfully commercialized and mass-produced, has a discharge rate of up to 12C and a capacity of up to 3300mAh.
3. Ternary low-temperature lithium-ion battery
The low-temperature characteristics of lithium-ion batteries are primarily examined through their low-temperature discharge characteristics and cycle life. The most crucial aspect of low-temperature batteries is maintaining the fluidity of matter under low-temperature conditions, allowing lithium ions to freely move between the positive and negative electrodes for charging and discharging. Currently, domestic and international ternary lithium-ion battery manufacturers can generally achieve a discharge temperature of -20 degrees Celsius with a discharge capacity greater than 50% and a cycle life of around 400 cycles, which is sufficient for ordinary electrical appliances and usage scenarios. However, in specialized aerospace applications, special equipment, and other special products, or in extremely cold environments such as northern regions and high mountains, lithium-ion batteries must be able to reach even lower discharge operating temperatures to meet demanding operating conditions.
Correct usage of ternary lithium-ion batteries
1. If a ternary lithium-ion battery is not used for a long time, it is best to charge it to about 40% and store it at a temperature of 10~30℃, and recharge it about every six months;
2. After fully charging the ternary lithium-ion battery using the included charger, continue charging for one hour.
3. Because lithium-ion batteries have relatively low safety and are sensitive to ambient temperature, we should pay close attention to the temperature when using them. 40 to 60 degrees Celsius is the optimal operating temperature for lithium-ion batteries.