Ternary batteries refer to ternary lithium-ion batteries, which are lithium-ion batteries that use lithium nickel cobalt manganese (Li(NiCoMn)O2) ternary cathode materials. Ternary composite cathode material precursor products are made from nickel salts, cobalt salts, and manganese salts. The ratio of nickel, cobalt, and manganese can be adjusted according to actual needs. Batteries using ternary materials as cathodes are safer than lithium cobalt oxide batteries.
Ternary lithium batteries are suitable for use as power batteries or small batteries, especially those with higher capacity. Currently, ternary lithium battery cells have replaced the previously widely used lithium cobalt oxide cells and are widely used in the field of laptop batteries.
Currently, the two most popular types of lithium-ion batteries on the market are lithium iron phosphate batteries and ternary lithium-ion batteries. So, which is better, ternary lithium-ion batteries or lithium iron phosphate batteries? Let's take a look at which one is better.
I. Lithium iron phosphate batteries
Lithium iron phosphate batteries: The raw materials phosphorus and iron are abundant on Earth, with few restrictions on supply channels. They have a moderate voltage (3.2V), high capacity per unit weight (170mAh/g), high discharge power, fast charging capability, and long cycle life. Their stability in high-temperature and high-heat environments is higher than other types of batteries.
Compared to the more common ternary lithium cobalt oxide and lithium manganese oxide batteries currently on the market, lithium iron phosphate batteries have at least the following five advantages: higher safety, longer lifespan, no rare metals or highly polluting heavy metals, support for fast charging, and a wide operating temperature range.
II and ternary lithium batteries
Ternary polymer lithium-ion batteries: These are lithium-ion batteries that use lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (Li(NiCoMn)O2) as the positive electrode material. Specifically, they refer to "ternary power lithium batteries" where the positive electrode is ternary and the negative electrode is graphite. Another type, where the positive electrode is ternary and the negative electrode is lithium titanate, is usually called "lithium titanate" and does not belong to the commonly referred to "ternary material".
Ternary lithium-ion batteries have high energy density and better cycle performance than conventional lithium cobalt oxide batteries. Currently, with continuous improvements in formulation and structure, the nominal voltage of these batteries has reached 3.7V, and their capacity has reached or exceeded that of lithium cobalt oxide batteries.
III. Comparison between ternary lithium batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries
1. In terms of raw material abundance, lithium iron phosphate batteries are more abundant than ternary lithium-ion batteries (which contain cobalt, a precious and rare mineral);
2. In terms of manufacturing cost, lithium iron phosphate batteries are cheaper than ternary lithium-ion batteries, making them more suitable for the low-to-mid-end market.
3. Ternary lithium-ion batteries have a higher energy density than lithium iron phosphate batteries, and within the same battery space, ternary lithium-ion batteries have a larger capacity;
4. In terms of environmental temperature adaptability and stability, lithium iron phosphate batteries outperform ternary polymer lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, both types of batteries have their advantages, and the specific choice depends on the product's operating environment.
5. In terms of lifespan, lithium iron phosphate batteries theoretically have a longer lifespan than ternary lithium-ion batteries;
6. In terms of high-temperature resistance, lithium iron phosphate can reach a peak thermal conductivity of 350℃-500℃, while lithium manganese oxide and lithium cobalt oxide are only around 200℃;
7. In terms of low-temperature performance, ternary lithium-ion batteries are better than lithium iron phosphate batteries;
Compared to lithium iron phosphate batteries, ternary lithium batteries have a significantly higher energy density, approximately 200Wh/kg. This means that for the same weight, a ternary lithium battery offers a longer driving range than a lithium iron phosphate battery. However, their drawbacks are also obvious. When the temperature reaches 250-350℃, the internal chemical components begin to decompose, placing extremely high demands on the battery management system. Each battery cell requires its own safety device. Furthermore, due to the small size of each cell, a single vehicle requires a massive number of battery cells. For example, the Model S requires over 7,000 18650 ternary lithium batteries to complete its assembly, further increasing the complexity of the battery management system. Therefore, currently, only Tesla uses ternary lithium batteries in its vehicles on the market.
