What uses Lithium Batteries?

Maria Laura

28/09/2023

What uses Lithium Batteries

After the recycling boom, many focused on plastic hangers, spiral notebooks and Cheesecloth. But what about lithium batteries? It is essential to know how they work to get started in recycling.

Lithium batteries have become an essential part of modern life because they power a wide range of electronic devices. From cell phones and laptops to electric vehicles and energy storage systems, lithium batteries have revolutionized the way we use energy in our daily lives.

It is worth mentioning that they have been an option since the 1990s and have since become the preferred alternative for powering as many devices as possible. It is a technology that can be used in different applications, being this the main reason why they have become one of the preferred options.

Let's know a little bit about lithium batteries

As you may know, lithium-ion battery technology uses lithium metal ions as its fundamental electrochemistry component. These batteries have high-energy density and low weight. It is because of their light weight that they can be used in electronic devices such as smartphones.

As for the alternatives used for electric cars and energy storage systems, lithium iron phosphate batteries are used. However, lithium batteries have four basic and indispensable components:

MaterialInformation
The cathode material:Being the one used for the positive electrode in charge of determining the voltage and capacity that each battery has.
Anode material:This material is the one through which the electric current flows from the external circuit.
Electrolytes are made up of additives: Salts and solvents. The purpose is to function as the conduit between the cathode and the anode.
The separator:As its name indicates, is in charge of separating the materials of the anode and the cathode.

Some applications of lithium batteries

Thanks to their extensive benefits and alternatives, lithium batteries are used in different technologies to provide the energy required by each device. They have become a fundamental part of different devices, such as:

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Portable electronic devices

Lithium batteries are widely used in portable electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets, and laptops. These batteries offer high energy density and longer lifetimes compared to batteries made of other materials, making them the ideal choice for powering these devices.

In addition, lithium batteries are also used in portable medical devices such as pacemakers and insulin pumps, ensuring a reliable and long-lasting power source for these critical devices.

Electric vehicles

One of the most significant advances in lithium battery technology has been their use in electric vehicles (EVs). These batteries enable the storage and supply of energy needed to power electric motors in vehicles, thus replacing internal combustion systems.

This use of lithium batteries has revolutionized the automotive industry and has enabled the development and mass adoption of electric vehicles, thereby reducing dependence on fossil fuels and reducing the carbon footprint.

Energy storage systems

Lithium batteries are also critical in energy storage systems such as solar and wind power installations. These systems store energy generated by renewable sources for later use, allowing a constant supply of energy even when renewable sources are not available.

Lithium batteries are preferred in these systems due to their high efficiency and ability to store large amounts of energy in a small space. In addition, lithium batteries are also used in power backup applications, providing emergency power in case of blackouts.

Use in medical equipment and wearable technology

Lithium batteries are essential in the medical technology and wearable device industry. In medical equipment such as glucose monitors, cardiac monitors and respiratory therapy devices, lithium batteries ensure a reliable and long-lasting power source for these vital devices.

Similarly, lithium batteries are also used in wearable technology such as smart watches and fitness tracking devices. Again, they are the best alternative because of the capacity they possess and the small size and weight they offer.

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Are there disadvantages to lithium batteries?

Certainly, since their creation they have been an excellent alternative for many technologies, there are still some shortcomings that make there are some disadvantages in their use, mostly, regarding their safety. It is common for these batteries to overheat and end up being damaged due to high voltages.

On the other hand, almost all lithium-ion electrolytes have high flammable charges, because of this, batteries that have been damaged can thermally leak and combust. Because of the risks associated with lithium batteries, many companies do not ship batteries in bulk by air.

When using lithium batteries it is necessary to put safety mechanisms in place to limit the voltage and internal pressures that are often generated.

This can increase the weight and limit the performance of the equipment on some occasions. Similarly, these batteries are not spared from aging, so they will begin to lose capacity over time and failures become frequent over the years.

Ways to avoid any risk

The essential thing is to make sure you store the batteries in the temperature range recommended by the manufacturer. Likewise, you should keep them away from flammable materials.

You should also avoid exposing the batteries to heat or direct sunlight, and avoid leaving them inside the car for long periods of time, as this can cause accidents due to the temperature inside the car.

To charge the batteries, be sure to use only the chargers recommended by the manufacturers, during the charge, do not leave the batteries on flammable surfaces such as carpets, paper, wood, or plastic.

Furthermore, It is essential that during charging you keep an eye on the batteries, so you can prevent any accidents in time.

References

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