As the world moves increasingly toward electricity based fuel, one important aspect is storage of that energy. Solar cells can only generate power during daylight hours and electric cars need to bring the electricity with them. The need for high performance batteries is higher than ever.
Lithium ion batteries satisfy these needs and LTS supplies Lithium XYZ Oxide cathode materials in coin cells as well as our typical targets, powders, and shapeless pieces.
When evaluating battery materials, the factors of importance are Energy Density: the amount of energy stored per unit weight or sometimes per volume. Specific Power: the speed you can deliver that energy. Lifespan: how many charge-discharge cycles can the battery sustain before chemical changes render it too weak to function. Cost: self explanatory. We should also consider Safety since lithium has a tendency to cause fires, Durability against high and low temperatures and time, and Charge Rate.
Along with custom formulations and R&D projects, we offer:
- LiCoO2
high energy density, low power - LiMn2O4
high power, low energy density - LiNiO2
high energy density, low stability - Li(Ni,Mn,Co)O2
combines the properties of the above three for good energy density, power, and stability - Li(Ni,Co,Al)O2
similar to above, more costly and safety concerns - LiFePO4
long lifespan, consistent discharge, safe, low energy density - Li4Ti5O4
safe, long lifespan and temperature range, low energy density and costly. - C (Graphite)
typically used as the anode to any of the above (or cathode to Li4Ti5O4).
Electric vehicle power requirements. EV - electic vehicle, HEV - hybrid, PHEV - plug-in hybrid, Combustion engines provide about 2500 Wh/kg. - Doeff, Marca M (2011) Batteries: Overview of Battery Cathodes.