Lithium batteries dominate modern energy storage with multi-dimensional classifications based on chemistry, form factor, and application scenarios:
Lithium-ion (Li-ion):
Cathode Materials: Lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂), lithium manganese oxide (LiMn₂O₄), or ternary compounds (LiNiMnCoO₂).
Performance: High energy density (200-250 Wh/kg), 500-1,000 cycles. Dominates consumer electronics (smartphones, laptops).
Subtypes:
Cobalt-based: High density but safety/cost limitations.
Ternary (NMC): Balanced performance for EVs.
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄/LFP):
Advantages: Extreme safety (thermal stability >200°C), >6,000 cycles. Ideal for energy storage systems (ESS) and EVs.
Limitation: Lower energy density (120-160 Wh/kg).
Lithium Polymer (Li-polymer):
Structure: Gel/solid-state electrolyte enables ultra-thin designs (<1mm).
Applications: Drones, wearables due to flexibility and safety.
Emerging Technologies:
Lithium Titanate (LTO): 10C fast-charging, >20,000 cycles for military/special vehicles.
Lithium-Sulfur: Theoretical density >500 Wh/kg (R&D phase).
Cylindrical Cells (e.g., 18650, 21700):High structural strength, low cost. Used in power tools and modular ESS.
Prismatic Cells:90% space efficiency, customizable capacity. Standard for EV battery packs.
Pouch Cells:Aluminum laminate packaging reduces weight by 20%. Fits medical devices/odd-shaped electronics.
High-Capacity Batteries:3C discharge for EVs/power tools.
Temperature-Resilient Variants:
High-temp: Operates at 85°C (mining lamps, industrial backups).
Low-temp: Maintains >80% capacity at -40°C (polar/outdoor equipment).
Rack-Mounted ESS:Modular design (25.6V–51.2V, 5kWh–10MWh) for data centers/solar farms.
Energy Density: 3× higher than lead-acid batteries.
Lifespan: LiFePO₄ exceeds 6,000 cycles (80% DoD).
Low Self-Discharge: <2%/month vs. nickel-based (20%/month).
Fast Charging: LTO achieves 80% charge in 15 minutes.
