The high energy density of Lithium-Ion Batteries is leading to ever new areas of application. Today, they can be found, for example, in cell phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, vacuum cleaners, tools, vehicles or in so-called storage applications – large energy storage units for storing energy from solar cells. Lithium-Ion Batteries are also increasingly being used in applications that previously could not be operated by battery.
Lithium ions (Li+) – which is what gave these batteries their name – can freely move through the electrolyte between the two electrodes of the battery. Lithium-Ion Cells are characterized by a high energy density. The life cycle often lasts several years. However, this is highly dependent on its use and storage conditions. Lithium-Ion Cells are especially negatively affected by overcharging. Therefore, lithium-Ion Batteries are provided with a protection circuit that protects the battery from overcharging. Only compatible chargers should be used. Lithium is a chemical element and the lightest metal. It has two advantages for use in batteries: It possesses the largest negative voltage potential and is also the lightest element in solid form.
The underlying idea of storing electrical energy by means of chemical processes is more than 200 years old. Galvanic cells are utilized both for single as well as for multiple use for this purpose, either individually or interconnected. Such an element, also called a battery cell, contains two electrodes of conductive material and usually a liquid electrolyte.
