Lithium Batteries: A Practical Application of Chemical Principles

Abstract

In recent years batteries have emerged in the marketplace that take advantage of the unique properties of lithium. Lithium metal is an attractive choice to serve as a battery anode because it is easily oxidized and it produces an exceptionally high amount of electrical charge per unit-weight. The electrolytes used in lithium batteries contain lithium salts dissolved in polar organic solvents. A variety of substances can serve as the battery cathode. They include inorganic solids, liquids, and dissolved gas. The cell potentials of lithium-metal batteries can be calculated from thermodynamic principles. These open-circuit voltages can be compared to the operating voltages of batteries delivering a current. Some lithium batteries employ intercalation compounds as their cathodes. These solids have layered or tunneled crystal structures into which lithium ions insert during the reduction process. When an intercalation cathode is paired with a lithiated-graphite anode, the resulting battery has the advantage of being rechargeable. It is known as a lithium-ion battery because no lithium metal is present.

Investigation of CrSi2 and MoSi2 as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

“…The C-rate and theoretical capacities were calculated using the work performed by Anani and Huggins [14] who estimated the lithium storage capacities of several silicides, including molybdenum and chromium silicides. Capacity values of the different molybdenum and chromium silicides indentified by XRD have been calculated using the formula reported in reference [21]: Cap. (mAh g −1 ) = (96,500 × number of Li + exchanged)/(molecular weight of the silicide × 3.6).…”

Water-soluble binders for MCMB carbon anodes for lithium-ion batteries

“…A maximum of one lithium for six carbons can be intercalated between the graphene layers of graphite. The theoretical gravimetric specific capacity of carbon graphite is 372 mAh g −1 and for its volumetric is 830 mAh ml −3 (calculated using carbon as a starting material [7]). When lithium ions are intercalated in graphite, the distance between the graphene layers increases from 0.335 nm to 0.372 nm [1,8,9], which corresponds to a volume change of about 10% in the direction normal to the plane [10].…”

Phase Equilibria and Phase Separation of the Aqueous Solution System Containing Lithium Ions

“…Lithium is the lightest alkali metal, which plays a growing role in numerous processes such as rechargeable batteries, thermonuclear fusion, medical drugs, lubricant greases, ceramic, glasses, dyes, adhesives, and electrode welding [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. Lithium is a critical energy material and a strategic resource for the twenty-first century.…”