It is being used as an important substrate in the cathode and in the electrolyte of the LIB and is also usually a part of the anode in other solid state batteries.
Cobalt
It is the key ingredient in Cathode such as LCO, NMC and NCA. It is also one of the most expensive individual ingredient used in lithium-ion batteries.
Nickel
It is used in NMC, NCA and LMNO cathodes and has quite high energy density.
Aluminium
Mainly used as current collector of cathode and connection tabs, but small amount of it is also used in NCA cathode as well.
Copper
Used as current collector in Anode.
Iron
Used in LFP based cathode and is one of the most economical elements used in cathode side , although not so much in terms of energy utilization(kWh).
Manganese
It is used as a cathode in Lithium-ion batteries. One of the key ingredients , manganese is as economical as iron.
Phosphorous
It is employed in the electrolyte as LiPF6. It is also being used as a solid electrolyte along with sulphur and germanium to provide higher power and higher energy
Titanium
One of the most popular anodes other than graphite constitutes of titanium. Ti-based anodes are capable of sustaining larger currents.
Fluorine
Used in electrolyte salt (LiPF6) and also in electrolyte additives such as FEC etc.
Silicon
Is the next generation anode and is currently mixed with graphite as anode. It can be mixed with Lithium-Sulphur electrolytes to yield high coulombic efficiencies.
Refined feed
High purity inorganic feed materials
All raw ingredients for Cathode are purified to 99.95% purity before production of cathode powder.
Lithium Salts (Cathode/Anode)
Most popular ones include LiOH and Li2(CO)3 that are used in cathode and anode (LTO) manufacturing.
Pure Al Metal
Al Metal is ultra-purified to be used as current collectors in LIB.
Pure Cu Metal
Cu Metal is ultra-purified to be used as current collectors in LIB.
Purified Natural Graphite
Natural graphite is purified to a minimum 99.95% purity to be used in LIB battery. It is given a spherical shape and coated with carbon in order to achieve a higher performance.
Graphitized organic
Organic sources can be graphitized or not (like hard carbon) to be used as anode in batteries.
Solvents for electrolyte
Majority of the market is dominated by Carbonate based electrolytes, although new solvents and ionic liquids are also gaining traction now.
Solvent for slurry making
NMP is the most widely used solvent for slurry making of Cathode and Anode electrodes.
Lithium Salt for Electrolyte
LiPF6 is a widely used salt, in addition to few others such as LiTFSI, LiBOB and so on.
Cell Components
Al micron foil
It acts as a current collector for the cathode. It is usually covered with carbon black for better conductivity of electrons.
Cu micron foil
It is used as a current collector for the anode.
Electrolyte (solvent salt)
This acts as a medium for the passage of Lithium ions from the anode to the cathode (and back). Usually there is a loss of Li-ions during the process and this leads to a reduction in capacity of the battery.
Separator
It prevents the electrodes from coming in contact with one another (prevents short circuit). Lithium dendrite formation is restricted by the separator. It is usually a PE/PP film with pores to allow for Li ion diffusion.
Cathode Binder
A binder keeps the entire assembly (of oxide and carbon black) intact. It provides a smoother transition at the interface of the electrode and electrolyte.
Solvents (Cathode/Anode)
The most used solvent is NMP. Due to its ability to dissolve almost all oxides and polymers.
Conductive carbon
Acetylene black, Charcoal, Carbon black are used as electron conducting materials in the cathode and anode.
Anode Binder
It is the same as the binder for cathode.
Cathode
Cathode is the component that determines the energy density of the cell. Cobalt, which was used as the primary active compound is now substituted by Lithium and Nickel.
Anode
Anode in the Lithium-ion battery acts as the host which lets intercalation during charge process and deintercalation during discharge process. Natural, artificial and composite graphites are generally used as anode powder.
CellFabrication
Cathode electrode
These are usually metallic oxides coated onto a current collector (Aluminium) and compacted to remove any voids.
Anode electrode
The anode is a repository for the lithium ions. It is usually a Lithium metal strip or a layered graphite connected to current collector.
Electrolyte
The electrolyte acts as a transport medium between the electrodes.
Cans
Cans usually are made of stainless steel with nickel cladding.
Lids
They have an insulating layers to prevent short circuiting, and main material it is made up of is stainless steel. Insulting layer is mostly a polymer.
Tabs
On anode side is nickel and cathode side has aluminum, they are both put in place to bring homogeneous distribution of current. .
Pouch casing
It is made up of Aluminum, however it has several layers of polymers to bring strength as well as insulation.
Adhesives
Adhesives are mostly used either on tab with a tape or along with pouch cells to seal the cell casing.
Organic sources
Graphite Ore
It is used to produce natural graphite anode and is the most economic means of producing anode material. Its layered structure acts as a repository for Lithium ions.
Petroleum Refine/Organic
This is used in the production of synthetic graphite anode and is being widely used in the industry.
Carbon precursors
Various organics such as ethylene carbonate, DEC, DMC, amongst others are used frequently as solvent for electrolyte in LIB.
Polymer precursor
Various types of polyolefins are being used as chief polymers employed in separators. PE/PP separators are ubiquitous.
BMS & Packaging
Mechanical components
Mechanical components are the constituent part of mechanical system. Heat pipes, Cooling fin, Radiator and Evaporator are the few mechanical components used in lithium ion batteries.
Electrical components
Electrical components are the basic building blocks of electrical circuits. A/C loop, PCM, Thermo electric module are the few electrical components used in the Lithium ion batteries.
Air Cooling
Air cooling system is used to dissipate heat that is generated in the battery to avoid thermal runaway. Passive air cooling system and Active air cooling system are the two types of Air cooling system used in BMS.
Liquid Cooling
In liquid cooling system, transfer fluid is used to transfer the heat generated from the battery. Dielectric liquid system and Conducting liquid system are the two types of liquid cooling system used in BMS.
Battery Packs
Single cell module
Single cell module has only one cell. This cell performs the function of the battery. They are encased in a battery case.
Multi cell Module
Multi cell module is made by linking multiple single cells. Finally the terminals are attached and enclosed in a the battery case.
Pack
A pack is made by linking multiple modules and then attaching sensor and controller to it. This unit is then housed in a case.
System
Stationary
Lithium Ion batteries are used in stationary application where low maintenance, weight, volume and temperature sensitivity plays a crucial role that cost.
Transportation
Lithium Ion batteries are widely used in automotive passenger car application. They are used in the Automotive ignition systems, Hybrid vehicles and Electric Vehicles. They are prefered due to superior Usable capacity, Extended cycle life, Size and weight, Efficient charging, etc.
Portable Electronics
Lithium Ion batteries are commonly used in all portable electronic devices like Smartphones, Watches, Cameras, etc. They can store more Joules of energy per Kilogram than other batteries like Nickel Cadmium or Nickel Metal Hydride.
Power Tools
Power tools are mechanical or electrical tools that are actuated by the power source to assist the human tasks. Lithium ion batteries are widely used in the Power tools due smaller size, lighter weight and other ergonomic advantages.
Unmanned/Aerial
Defence applications like drones do not have access to power source while flying, this can confine their flying time and capability. Hence they use Lithium Ion batteries, which can pack large power with in a very minimal size and weight.
LIB Recycling
LIB recycling is a process in which used batteries are properly collected and recycled at the end of their life. LIB recycling is used to retrieve useful metals, avoid soil contamination and to enable sustainable life cycle of these technologies.
Second Life
As the batteries during their first life reach their useful life, they can be reconditioned and reused in less strenuous application. In second-life, they are charged and discharged at small rate and operated in a controlled environment.
