You’ve probably heard of lithium-ion batteries before, as they’re the most popular type of rechargeable batteries. From phones to radios to computers, lithium-ion batteries are everywhere, but what are they and why are they so popular?
What is a Lithium-Ion Battery?
Lithium-ion batteries are made of one or more lithium-ion cells and a protective circuit board. These cells are made of the following:
Electrodes are the positively and negatively charged ends of a cell that are attached to current collectors.
Current collectors are conductive foils located at both electrodes of the battery (the anode and cathode) and connect to the terminals of the cell which transmit electric current to the energy source that powers the battery, the battery itself, and the device.
Cathodes are the positive electrodes, usually a metal oxide like lithium cobalt oxide.
Anodes are the negative electrodes typically made from graphite (often mixed with silicon).
Electrolytes (not the ones you drink!) conduct electricity in the cell and are made from a gel or liquid other than water.
The separator is located between the electrodes and allows the exchange of lithium ions from one side to the other.
How Do They Work?
The inner workings of these batteries is simple (even if it sounds hard), which is why they’re so genius. Welcome back to chemistry class, let’s break it down.
Lithium-ion batteries depend on the internal movement of lithium ions (Li+) between the cathode and anode. The movement of these ions discharges electrical current (to power a device) or allows the battery to receive electrical current (charge themselves). The difference is which way the lithium ions are moving.
When the lithium-ion battery is powering a device, the anode releases Li+ to the cathode, creating a flow of electrons from the battery to the device.
When the lithium-ion battery is charging, an electrical current flows from the power source, and the cathode releases lithium ions to the anode, replenishing its store of Li+.
These batteries are also known as “rocking-chair batteries” or “swing batteries” because the lithium ions move (or “rock”) back and forth between the electrodes when the battery is discharging or charging.
The Benefits of Lithium-Ion Batteries
There’s good reason (several actually) why these batteries are so popular, they’re known for their higher energy efficiency, energy density, and specific energy. Lithium-ion batteries also have a long lifespan and lifecycle, this means they’ll hold a charge for a long time and they won’t degrade as quickly as some other batteries.
Lithium-Ion Two-Way Radios
At Peak PTT, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality push to talk two-way radios, so of course all of our radios include lithium-ion batteries that have a long battery life and are quick to recharge. These radios are built to last years, and the lithium-ion batteries reflect this.
We also have a range of multi-chargers like the PTT-304G Multi-Charger which can quickly charge up to 8 devices at a time.