Lithium battery storage
Lithium-ion batteries are a type of battery that uses lithium metal or lithium alloys as the negative electrode material and a non-aqueous electrolyte solution. The earliest lithium metal battery was proposed and studied by Gilbert N. Lewis in 1912. In the 1970s, M.S. Whittingham proposed and began researching lithium-ion batteries. Due to the highly reactive chemical properties of lithium metal, its processing, storage, and use require very strict environmental controls. Therefore, lithium-ion batteries were not widely used for a long time. With the development of science and technology, lithium-ion batteries have now become mainstream.
Lithium batteries can be broadly classified into two categories: lithium metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries do not contain metallic lithium and are rechargeable. The fifth generation of rechargeable batteries, lithium metal batteries, was developed in 1996. They offer superior safety, specific capacity, self-discharge rate, and price-performance ratio compared to lithium-ion batteries. Due to their high technological requirements, only companies in a few countries currently produce lithium metal batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that primarily functions by the movement of lithium ions between the positive and negative electrodes. During charging and discharging, Li+ ions repeatedly insert and extract between the two electrodes: during charging, Li+ ions extract from the positive electrode, pass through the electrolyte, and insert into the negative electrode, leaving the negative electrode in a lithium-rich state; the reverse occurs during discharging.
Lithium-based batteries are divided into lithium batteries and lithium-ion batteries. Mobile phones and laptops use lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly referred to as lithium batteries. These batteries generally use materials containing lithium as electrodes and are representative of modern high-performance batteries. However, true lithium batteries are rarely used in everyday electronic products due to their inherent dangers.
Newly purchased lithium batteries will always have some charge. Therefore, users can use them immediately upon receiving them, letting the remaining charge drain completely before recharging. After 2-3 normal uses, the lithium battery's activity will be fully activated. A special reminder: do not believe salespeople or online rumors that new lithium batteries require a 12-hour activation period upon first use.
Lithium batteries do not have a memory effect and can be charged whenever needed. However, it's important to note that lithium batteries should not be over-discharged, as this will cause irreversible capacity loss. When the device warns of low battery, you should start charging immediately.
In daily use, a newly charged lithium battery should be left to stand for half an hour to allow its charging performance to stabilize before use; otherwise, it will affect the battery's performance.
When not using the instrument, be sure to remove the batteries and store them in a dry, cool place.
Note the operating environment of lithium batteries: the charging temperature of lithium batteries is 0℃～45℃, and the discharging temperature of lithium batteries is -20℃~60℃.
Do not store batteries with metal objects, as metal objects may come into contact with the positive and negative terminals of the battery, causing a short circuit, damaging the battery, or even posing a danger.
Do not strike, puncture, step on, modify, or expose the battery to direct sunlight. Do not place the battery in environments with microwaves or high voltage.
Use a proper, compatible lithium battery charger to charge the battery. Do not use inferior or other types of battery chargers to charge lithium batteries.
Lithium batteries should be charged to 50%~80% capacity before being left unused for an extended period. They should then be removed from the instrument and stored in a dry, cool environment. The batteries should be charged every 3 months to prevent irreversible capacity loss due to self-discharge caused by prolonged storage.
The self-discharge of lithium batteries is affected by ambient temperature and humidity. High temperature and high humidity will accelerate the self-discharge of the battery. It is recommended to store the battery in a dry environment of 0℃～20℃.
