Lithium batteries can be broadly classified into two categories: lithium metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries. Lithium metal batteries use metallic lithium as the negative electrode, and the positive electrode material can be oxygen, elemental sulfur, metal oxides, etc. Lithium-ion batteries do not contain metallic lithium and are rechargeable.
Working principle
Lithium metal batteries typically use manganese dioxide as the positive electrode material, lithium metal or its alloy metals as the negative electrode material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte solution.
Discharge reaction: Li + MnO2 = LiMnO2
Lithium-ion batteries typically use lithium alloy metal oxides as the positive electrode material, graphite as the negative electrode material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte.
The reaction that occurs at the positive terminal of the charger is
LiCoO2 = Li(1-x)CoO2 + xLi+ + xe- (electrons)
The reaction that occurs at the negative terminal of the charger is
6C + xLi + xe- = LixC6
Overall reaction of the rechargeable battery: LiCoO2 + 6C = Li(1-x)CoO2 + LixC6
The main difference between lithium metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries is that lithium metal batteries are disposable, while lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and cyclic batteries!
Lithium-ion batteries work on the same principle as regular dry cell batteries. They use lithium metal as electrodes and generate electricity through the corrosion or oxidation of lithium metal. Once the lithium metal is used up, the battery is unusable and cannot be recharged. Lithium-ion batteries typically use lithium cobalt oxide as the positive electrode and carbon as the negative electrode, with an electrolyte filling the space between them to create channels for ion ionization. A separator is used to separate the positive and negative electrodes to prevent short circuits.
Due to the highly reactive chemical properties of lithium metal, its processing, storage, and use require stringent environmental conditions. With advancements in science and technology, lithium batteries have become the mainstream technology.
