Battery Materials

Typically, batteries work by a process known as intercalation. This process occurs across the battery components. Most batteries consist of the same components.

Lithium plating is a mechanism of degradation in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). It describes the accumulation of metallic lithium on the surface of the anode (usually graphite powder). Lithium ions gather at the anode surface and form metallic deposits.

A solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) forms on the negative electrode in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to the decomposition of electrolyte. The decomposition by-products build up on the surface of the anode and form an independent phase of material, different to the electrode and electrolyte.

C-rate refers to the rate at which a battery charges or discharges relative to its maximum capacity. In other words, the speed at which delithiation and lithiation occurs in a lithium-ion battery. The higher the C-rate the faster charging or discharging occurs.

This page discusses the pros and cons of Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries and graphene batteries and the future outlook for battery research.

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries can catch fire due to a process known as thermal runaway, which is triggered by various factors and involves a series of heat-releasing reactions.

The state of charge (SoC) of a battery is defined as the ratio of remaining charge in the battery compared to the maximum charge capacity of the battery. It indicates how much energy remains in the battery and when it will need recharging.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), such as single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), have been tipped as one of the most exciting nanomaterials in the development of battery technology. The key properties of CNTs that make them ideal candidates as battery components is their high electron conductivity, high strength and lightweight nature.

Graphene batteries are advanced energy storage devices. Graphene materials are two-dimensional and are typically made solely of carbon.

Lithium-polymer (LiPo) batteries are a type of lithium-ion battery technology that uses polymer electrolytes. This differs from standard lithium-ion batteries which use a solvent based electrolyte. Polymer electrolytes used are highly ionically conductive and form lithium-ion conduction channels.

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) differ from conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in terms of both their components and fundamental design features. Instead of a liquid electrolyte, they use a solid electrolyte to conduct lithium ions between electrodes.