A lithium-ion battery or Li-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery in which lithium ions move from the negative electrode (anode) to the positive electrode (cathode) during discharge and back when charging.
Lithium-ion batteries are common in home electronics. They are one of the most popular types of rechargeable batteries for portable electronics, with a high energy density, tiny memory effect and low self-discharge.
LIBs are also growing in popularity for military, battery electric vehicle and aerospace applications.
Difference between rechargeable and non-rechargeable lithium battery
Rechargeable Li-ion batteries use an intercalated lithium compound as one electrode material, compared to the metallic lithium used in a non-rechargeable lithium battery.
Intercalation is the reversible inclusion or insertion of a molecule (or ion) into materials with layered structures.
The electrolyte, which allows for ionic movement, and the two electrodes are the constituent components of a lithium-ion battery cell.
Lithium-ion battery types
Chemistry, performance, cost and safety characteristics vary across LIB types.
Handheld electronics mostly use LIBs based on lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2), which offers high energy density but presents safety risks, especially when damaged.
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), lithium ion manganese oxide battery (LiMn2O4, Li2MnO3, or LMO), and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LiNiMnCoO2 or NMC) offer lower energy density but longer lives and less likelihood of unfortunate events in real-world use (e.g., fire, explosion, etc.). Such batteries are widely used for electric tools, medical equipment, and other roles. NMC in particular is a leading contender for automotive applications.
Lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (LiNiCoAlO2 or NCA) and lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12 or LTO) are specialty designs aimed at particular niche roles. The newer lithium–sulfur batteries promise the highest performance-to-weight ratio.
Cobalt is commonly used in cathodes of batteries like Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO), NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt), and NCA (Nickel Cobalt Aluminum). Cobalt improves energy density and battery life.
Nickel is used in cathodes like NMC and NCA. Enhances energy density and storage capacity.
Lithium is present in both cathodes and electrolyte. In the cathode, it forms compounds like LiCoO₂, LiFePO₄, LiNiMnCoO₂, etc.
Li-Ion batteries applications
Li-Ion batteries have applications in Energy Storage System – from hearing aid to container sized batteries to power a cluster of villages, Electric Vehicles (2-wheeler, 3-wheeler, 4-wheeler and Bus), portable electronic sector, Grid Storage, Telecom and Telecommunication Towers, Medical Devices, Household and Office Power Back (UPS), Powering Robots in Processing Industry.
Lithium-ion batteries can power any electrical application without the need of physical wires-means wireless.
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
QUES 1 . In the context of electric vehicle batteries, consider the following elements: UPSC PRELIMS 2025
I. Cobalt
II. Graphite
III. Lithium
IV. Nickel
How many of the above usually make up battery cathodes?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All the four
Answer (c) EXPLANATION: Graphite is used in the anodes, not the cathode. Graphite is the most common anode material in lithium-ion batteries.
QUES 2 . Consider the following statements with respect to Li-ion battery(LIBs) –
1 . Li-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery in which lithium ions move from the positive electrode to the negative electrode during discharge and back when charging.
2 . Handheld electronics mostly use LIBs based on lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2).
Which among the above statements is/are correct?
a . 1 only
b . 2 only
c . Both 1 and 2
d . Neither 1 nor 2
Answer –b
QUES 3 . Which of the following statements is incorrect?
a . Lithium–sulfur batteries have the lowest performance-to-weight ratio.
b . Lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide and lithium titanate provide particular niche roles.
c . Lithium iron phosphate or lithium ion manganese oxide battery offer lower energy density but longer lives and less likelihood of unfortunate events in real-world use
d . Lithium cobalt oxide battery offers high energy density but presents safety risks, especially when damaged.
Answer –a
