Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
hierarchical three-dimensional (3D) mixed conducting networks,
are taken to show their promising use as electrode materials in
high-performance lithium-ion batteries.
6.1 BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO LITHIUM-ION
BATTERIES
Lithium-ion batteries are important types of secondary batteries
in which lithium ions (Li
) keep traveling back and forth between
the anode and the cathode through the electrolyte in charging/
discharging cycles, thus gaining the name “rocking chair batteries”
(see Fig. 6.1) [1-3].
M. Armand proposed the first rechargeable lithium battery
based on the intercalation concept in 1972 (and then mentioned in
his topic in 1980) [4]. The prototype in laboratory finally became
commercially available at SONY in 1991. Since then, with its
various advantages (e.g., high energy density, larger capacity, high
energy-to-weight ratios, lack of memory effect, longer lifespan,
and portable design) compared with other traditional rechargeable
batteries such as lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries,
lithium-ion battery soon became the key enabling technology in the
energy industry and made a great contribution to the sustainable
economy. It has stepped into people's daily lives in many aspects,
ranging from consumer electronics and household appliances to
the quickly developing hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and electric
vehicles (EVs) [5-9].
+
In addition, lithium-ion batteries are now
gradually extending their applications to defense and aerospace
[10]. Moreover, it is widely believed that lithium-ion batteries,
along with other new and renewable sources of energy, may finally
replace traditional fossil energy in the near future.
Generally, a typical lithium-ion battery, as shown in Fig. 6.1a,
consists of three fundamental components: an anode, a cathode,
and an electrolyte. The anode, which is mainly made of carbon-
based compounds and lithium alloys, is the receptor for the
lithium ions, and the cathode, typically consisting of oxides of
transition metals, is responsible for the source of lithium ions.
Since both the anode and the cathode are the materials into
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