Batteries & Chargers

Lithium Batteries & Charging

A lithium-ion battery, or Li-ion battery, is a type of rechargeable battery in which lithium ions move from the negative electrode through an electrolyte to the positive electrode during discharge, and back when charging. Li-ion batteries use an intercalated lithium compound as the material at the positive electrode and typically graphite at the negative electrode.

Li-ion batteries have a high energy density, no memory effect (other than LFP cells), and low self-discharge. Cells can be manufactured to either prioritize energy or power density. They can however be a safety hazard since they contain flammable electrolytes, and if damaged or incorrectly charged can lead to explosions and fires. Failure to follow current and voltage limitations can result in an explosion. 

NOTE: Batteries gradually self-discharge even if not connected and deliver current. Li-ion rechargeable batteries have a self-discharge rate typically stated by manufacturers to be 1.5–2% per month.