Different Lithium-Ion Battery Chemistries Explained
Though lithium ion is used as a general term. There are many lithium based chemistries that make up rechargeable batteries, including lithium iron phosphate or LiFePO4, lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, lithium cobalt Oxide Lithium Manganese Oxide. Lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide, lithium titanate, and those are just a few of the various lithium ion chemistries. The most widely used lithium battery chemistries can be categorized as either cobalt based or non cobalt based lithium batteries.
LiFePO4 batteries are non cobalt based and represent the safest, most environmentally benign and longest lasting lithium battery chemistry on the market. Here's why; Like in every other battery, there's a positive and negative electrode called the cathode and the anode. All lithium ion batteries share the same characteristics and only differ by the lithium oxide at the cathode LiFePO4 batteries have a cathode of iron phosphate. LFP batteries LiFePO4 cathodes offer the safety advantage of having more thermal and chemical stability than other lithium ion cathodes because of stronger chemical bonds between the elements involved oxygen atoms are not as readily removed from LFP cathodes due to battery abuse such as overheating or short circuiting.
LiFePO4 can also withstand high temperatures without decomposing. It's not prone to thermal runaway and will keep cool at room temperature. Although lithium iron phosphate batteries have lower energy density than other lithium ion chemistries, they provide better power density and longer life cycles. LFP Batteries also have higher current ratings and a lower self discharge rate. They experience a slower rate of capacity loss than other lithium ions when not in use.
Lithium battery chemistry is significant as it directly impacts the safety and longevity of your energy storage system. LFP batteries hold up to high safety and performance standards, making them versatile for use in a variety of high power equipment, including electric vehicles, solar energy systems, boats and more. Learn more about LFP batteries for your application at relionbattery.com