Lithium ion cell:

Advantages of lithium ion

They have higher energy density than most secondary cells.

Operate at higher voltages than other rechargeable cells.
Lower self-discharge rate.
Long-life due to gentler intercalation mechanism in each electrode.
Disadvantages of lithium ion:

Because high energy densities are obtained by using more reactive chemicals
They tend to be less stable and require special safety precautions
Need special circuitry to protect battery from damage due to
over/undercharge
Are more complex to manufacture

Cost of the cells, plus the supporting electronics

Intercalation:

The term ‘intercalation’ refers to a process whereby a guest molecule or ion is

inserted into a host lattice. The structure of the guest–host or intercalation
compound is only slightly perturbed from the host structure and the reaction used
to form the compound is reversible.

The process of intercalation

Intercalation involves insertion of lithium ions into crystalline lattice of host

electrode without changing its crystal structure.

Lithium is stored in the electrodes much like water is stored in a sponge.

Li is stored in the electrodes, and Li+ moves through the electrolyte

Li+ enters an electrode, becoming Li when an electron is available; Li exits an

electrode and becomes Li+ when it can give up an electron
Requirements of the electrode structure

Intercalation involves insertion of lithium ions into crystalline lattice of host

electrode without changing its crystal structure

These electrodes have two key properties:

a. Open crystal structures, allowing insertion or extraction of lithium ions in

the vacant spaces
b. Ability to accept compensating electrons

Within the electrode, the lithium atom’s electron is loosely shared with
neighboring atoms

The lithium is not tightly bonded in one place; it is actually quite free to move
around

The discharge process

During discharge, Li exits the surface of the negative-electrode particles, gives up

an electron, becoming Li+ in the electrolyte

Li diffuses outward from center of negative-electrode particles to equalize

concentrations, replenishing Li at particle surface over the time.

Meanwhile, electron travels through external circuit to positive electrode

Li+ joins with the electron, and Li enters positive-electrode particles at their surface

Li diffuses into positive-electrode particles to equalize concentration over the time.

The charge process:

The process is completely reversible; thus lithium passes back and forth between
electrodes during charging and discharging

During charge, Li exits surface of positive electrode particles, gives up an electron,

becoming Li+ in the electrolyte

Meanwhile, the electron is forced by charger through external circuit to negative

electrode.

Li joins with the electron, and Li enters negative-electrode particles at their surface

Diffusion of Li in both electrodes equalizes internal concentrations over the time.

Negative electrode:

1. lithium-ion cells use some form of graphite (C6) for the negative-electrode
material

Graphite has graphene layers of C6 structures that are tightly bonded

These layers are loosely stacked and there is room for lithium to intercalate
between them.

Positive electrode:

1. Lithium cobalt oxide(LCO) was a viable material for lithium intercalation

Li intercalates between the layers of CoO6 octahedra

LCO has layers, somewhat like graphite, so it is often called a “layered

cathode”

Electrolytes:

The electrolyte comprises a salt, acid, or base dissolved in a solvent and is the
media that conducts ions between electrodes

lithium-ion cells use electrolytes comprising non-aqueous organic solvents

plus a lithium salt
 Electrolyte acts purely as ion conductor, not taking part in the chemical
reaction

Solvents include ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate,

ethyl methyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate

The most commonly used salt in lithium-ion cells is Lithium hexafluorophosphate.

Separators:

The separator is a permeable membrane with holes large enough to let Li + pass
through unimpeded, but small enough that the negative- and positive-electrode
particles do not touch; it is also an electronic insulator.

Current collectors:

Current collectors that will withstand that environment, such that they will not
react with the electrolyte.

Positive electrode uses aluminum foil.

Negative electrode uses copper foil.