How many types of lithium-ion batteries do you know?

Category：

【Brief Description】Category of lithium-ion batteries

Many people get confused when they discuss about lithium-ion batteries, they feel nowhere about the differences among various lithium-ion batteries.

While we can divide the lithium-ion batteries into 6 types. While let's start with a diagram (different energy density from lead acid old generation batteries to new generations like Lifepo4 and NMC batteries). Obviously the lithium-ion batteries are new comers with better performance on energy density. But which one of them is the best choice?

ONE. Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide - NMC Batteries

Nickle(Ni), manganese(Mn), cobalt(Co) are mixed up to consist of the cathode of NMC batteries.
The chemical element Cobalt has natures that can increase the batteries' energy condensity, and stability.
NMC batteries comparing to lithium-ion batteries, contain higher energy.
NMC batteries with compact size and higher energy density, make them the priority when the space constrains.

TWO. Lithium-iron Phosphate - Lifepo4 Batteries

LFP batteries consist of a cathode made from lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), an anode composed of carbon, and an electrolyte that conducts lithium ions.
LFP batteries are know for their stability and safety. Their chemical stability reduces the combustion and overheating.
LFP batteries are usually durable and compatible with the harsh environment.
LFP batteries' raw material and chemical elements - ion and phosphate are abundant and recyclable.
LFP batteries are cobalt-free.
LFP batteries are widely applied in EVs, industrial vehicles, Energy storage systems, grid connecting backup power, stationary power, etc., and they are tested out to be safe, durable, eco-friendly.

THREE. Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide - NCA Batteries

Tesla starts with NCA Batteries (254WH/KG) for its good performance on energy density and specific power.
Compared with NMC batteries, instead of manganese, NCA uses aluminum to increase stability.
NCA batteries will be adopted when it comes to high-performance EVs.
NCA cathodes are comparatively less safe than other lithium-ion batteries.

FOUR. Lithium Titanate - LTO Batteries

LTO batteries, are modified li-ion batteries with lithium-titanate nanocrystals on the surface of its anode.
And LTO batteries due to its different chemicals, have faster charging performance within safety in the case of titanate than in the case of graphite carbon.
This kind of battery is widely applied in Japan's electric vehicles, and it performs very well in Samsung Glaxy series.

FIVE. Lithium Manganese Oxide - LMO Batteries

Lithium Manganese Oxide (LMO) batteries use lithium manganese oxide as the cathode material.
Its enhanced safety, and thermal stability, make it popular in medical devices.
LMO batteries can provide with a higher current upon acceleration.
LMO's cathode material is comparatively inexpensive, and abundant in the earth.

SIX. Lithium Cobalt Oxide - LCO Batteries

LCO batteries with a cathode of cobalt oxide, and an anoth of graphite carbon.
LCO batteries are widely applied in smart phones, laptops, and portable electric devices.

Beyond the six types of lithium-ion batteries, some other factors may also affect our choices on batteries: Energy Density and Material Cost. The two pictures below well descript the battery market situation. So which lithium-ion battery is the best for us depends on our requirement on specific performance, budget, and application.

Previous: How Jetspower Lithium-ion systems handle with the extreme low-temperature environment

Next： Comparison between lead acid and lithium-ion from a chemical perspective