Li-ion Batteries

Why in News?

• The Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India has declared that Mandla district in Karnataka has 1600kg Lithium.
• India has been dependent on Lithium imports for a long time. 97% of the materials used in the batteries are imported from different countries like the USA, China, etc that leaves a high pressure of 149-Billion-dollar USD on Indian Economy.

Lithium metal and its production

• It is the lightest metal and the lightest solid element
• The world's top four lithium-producing countries from 2019, as reported by the US Geological Survey are Australia, Chile, China and Argentina.
• The intersection of Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina make up the region known as the Lithium Triangle, believed to contain over 75% of existing known lithium reserves.

Li-ion Batteries

• The most widespread and well-known use of Lithium is in the Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery.
• 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.
• Portable electronics, Power tools, military, battery electric vehicle and aerospace applications etc.

Advantages of Li-Ion Battery

• The energy density of lithium-ion is typically twice that of the standard nickel-cadmium.
• Lithium-ion is a low maintenance battery.
• The self-discharge is less than half compared to nickel-cadmium.
  • A lithium-ion battery pack loses only about 5 percent of its charge per month, compared to a 20 percent loss per month for NiMH batteries.
• Lithium-ion cells cause little harm when disposed.
  • Since Li-ion batteries contain less of toxic metals than other types of batteries which may contain lead or cadmium.
• Specialty cells can provide very high current to applications such as power tools.
• They're generally much lighter than other types of rechargeable batteries of the same size.
• They have no memory effect, which means that you do not have to completely discharge them before recharging.

Disadvantages

• It is fragile and requires a protection circuit to maintain safe operation.
  • Lithium-ion batteries can be a safety hazard since they contain a flammable electrolyte and may be kept pressurized.
• Expensive to manufacture - about 40 percent higher in cost than nickel-cadmium.
• Subject to aging, even if not in use.
  • They will only last two or three years from the date of manufacture whether you use them or not.
• Transportation restrictions - shipment of larger quantities may be subject to regulatory control.
  • They are extremely sensitive to high temperatures.
• A lithium-ion battery pack must have an on-board computer to manage the battery.

Add on:

• India's first Lithium refinery is soon going to be set up in Gujarat.
• Manikaran Power Limited, one of the country's largest power trading and renewable energy company will invest around Rs 1,000 crore to set up this refinery.
• The refinery will process Lithium ore to produce battery-grade material.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Consider the following statements regarding Lithium-Ion Battery:
1.They are highly prone to memory effect when charging.
2.They are sensitive to high temperatures.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only     
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to Prelims Question