Six Types of Li-ion Batteries - A Comparison
Image: Elements
As the primary technology powering electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems, lithium-ion batteries are at the heart of the clean energy revolution.
However, there are several varieties of lithium-ion batteries, each having advantages and disadvantages. The infographic above depicts the tradeoffs between the six basic lithium-ion cathode technologies.
Each of the six varieties of lithium-ion batteries has a unique chemical composition. Most lithium-ion batteries use graphite anodes. The mineral composition of the cathode is often what differs across battery chemistries. The cathode material often comprises lithium as well as additional minerals such as nickel, manganese, cobalt, or iron. This composition ultimately impacts the battery's capacity, power, performance, cost, safety, and longevity.
1: Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC)
NMC cathodes often have high nickel concentrations, which boosts battery energy density and enables longer EV ranges. High nickel concentration, on the other hand, might cause the battery to become unstable, which is why manganese and cobalt are employed to promote thermal stability and safety. Several NMC combinations, notably NMC811 (80% nickel, 10% manganese, and 10% cobalt), NMC532, and NMC622, have experienced commercial success.
2: Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA)
NCA batteries have the same nickel-based benefits as NMC batteries, such as high energy density and specific power. To boost stability, NCA replaces manganese with aluminium. However, NCA cathodes are less safe than other Li-ion technologies, cost more, and are normally used primarily in high-performance EV models.
3: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)
LFP batteries are less expensive to manufacture than nickel-based alternatives since they employ iron and phosphate instead of nickel and cobalt. They do, however, have lower specific energy and are better suited for standard- or short-range EVs. Furthermore, LFP is one of the safest chemistries and has a long lifespan, allowing it to be used in energy storage systems.
4: Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO)
Although LCO batteries have a high energy density, they have a short lifespan, poor thermal stability, and limited specific power. As a result, these batteries are a popular choice for low-load applications such as smartphones and laptops, where they can provide relatively tiny quantities of power for extended periods.
5: Lithium Manganese Oxide (LMO)
LMO batteries, also known as manganese spinel batteries, provide greater safety as well as quick charging and discharging capabilities. LMO cathode material is frequently combined with NMC in EVs, where the LMO component delivers a high current upon acceleration and the NMC part allows for extended driving ranges.
6: Lithium Titanate (LTO)
Unlike the other chemistries discussed above, where the cathode composition makes a difference, LTO batteries have a unique anode surface consisting of lithium and titanium oxides. These batteries offer great safety and performance in severe temperatures, but they have a low capacity and are rather costly, restricting their application on a large scale.
Currently, Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide, and Lithium Iron Phosphate are the two common technologies widely used in PV- energy storage systems.