AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY–

BANGLADESH (AIUB)

Faculty of Science and Technology (FST)

Chem 1101: Chemistry

Fall 2023-2024

Section: D

Group:09

ASSIGNMENT ON

Powering Technology: The Chemistry and Applications of Lithium-

Ion Batteries

Supervised By

DR. FARZANA KHALIL

Submitted By

Name ID
1. ABDULLAH ADNAN ABUL 22-47846-2
KALAM
2. SUDIPTA SARKER UNNAYAN 22-47656-2
3. MUSHFIQUR RAHMAN FAHIM 22-47450-2
Powering Technology: The Chemistry and Applications of Lithium-
Ion Batteries

1. Introduction to Lithium-Ion Batteries:

Lithium-ion batteries stand as a pinnacle in portable power, surpassing
conventional battery types. They began to evolve in the latter half of the 20th
century and became a major innovator in portable electronics. These batteries,
which were first created by M. Stanley Whittingham, John Goodenough, and
Akira Yoshino, took use of lithium's high energy density and light weight. They
avoided the memory effect and had higher energy densities than their
predecessors. Because of this innovative technology's longevity and
rechargeability, consumer gadgets quickly adopted it. Li-ion batteries changed
the face of modern technology throughout time by becoming as the preferred
power source for laptops, smartphones, and other portable devices.

Fig: Lithium Ion Battery (source: https://blog.storemasta.com.)

2. Chemistry Behind Lithium-Ion Batteries:

At the heart of lithium-ion batteries are complex electrochemical processes.
Lithium ions go from the anode, which is usually graphite, to the cathode,
which is like lithium cobalt oxide, during discharge, releasing energy. In
charging, this movement reverses. Battery performance is impacted by special
cathode materials that improve safety and stability, such as lithium iron
phosphate. While lithium iron phosphate strikes a balance between efficiency
and safety, lithium cobalt oxide delivers a higher energy density but raises
safety concerns. The batteries' voltage, capacity, and overall performance are
determined by their unique chemistries, highlighting the critical role that
electrode materials play in maximising energy storage and release in lithium-
ion technology.

Fig: Parts of a Li-ion Battery (Source: https://letstalkscience.ca/)

3. Functionality and Components:

Lithium ions are stored by the anode (usually graphite) of lithium-ion batteries
during charging and released during discharge. During the discharge process,
these ions are received by and hosted by the cathode, which is often lithium
cobalt oxide or lithium iron phosphate. Ion mobility is facilitated by the
electrolyte, which is typically a lithium salt in an organic solvent and serves to
separate the anode and cathode. Ion flow is made possible by separator
materials, which also avoid short circuits by preventing direct contact between
electrodes. The main parts of the battery are the anode and cathode
structures, coupled with certain electrolytes and separators. Their construction
and makeup play a critical role in guaranteeing long-term lithium-ion battery
functioning, safety, and effective ion transport.

Fig: Functionality of Li-ion Battery (Source: https://engineering.purdue.edu/)

4. Working Mechanism and Charging:

Lithium-ion batteries run on a cycle of discharge and recharge. Lithium ions go
from the anode to the cathode during discharge, releasing stored energy to
power devices. On the other hand, when charging occurs, the ions are sent
back to the anode by an external power source, which replenishes the energy
storage. The performance and longevity of the battery are determined by this
process, which is influenced by voltage, current, and charging rates. The
potential difference during charge and discharge is controlled by voltage, while
the rate of electron flow is indicated by current. With lithium-ion technology,
accuracy in the charging process and maintaining proper voltage and current
levels are essential for long battery life and safe operation.

Reaction: In the Li-Ion battery, both the electrodes can accept and release
lithium ions. During the Intercalation process, the lithium ions move into the
electrode.During the reverse process called de intercalation, the lithium
ions move back. During discharging, the positive lithium ions will be
extracted from the negative electrodes and inserted into the positive
electrode. During the charging process, the reverse movement of lithium
ions takes place.So there are two state occur in lithium-ion battary One is
charging state and another one is discharging state.So that there are two
types of reaction happen In a Li-ion battary.The reactions are completely redox
reactions.

Discharging Reaction: While the battary is discharging Lithium ions move

from the anode to the cathode.For this movement of lithium ions creates an
electric current, which supplying power to the devices.

Anode:
−¿+ 6 C¿

Oxidation Half Reaction: LiC 6 → Li+ ¿+ e ¿

Cathod:
−¿ →Li 2 CoO 2 ¿

Reduction Half Reaction: LiCoO2 + Li+ ¿+ e ¿

Overall Discharge Reaction: LiC 6+ LiCoO2 → LiCoO2+6 C

Charging reaction: while charging Lithium ions move from the cathode back
to the anode.This process restores the energy in the battery for future use.
At the cathode:
Li 2CoO 2+ Li +¿¿+e−¿¿ LiCoO2

At Anode:
−¿+6 C→ LiC 6 ¿

Li +¿+e ¿

Full reaction for the charging is:

Li 2 Co O2+ 6 C → LiC 6 + LiCo O2
 Fig: Charging and Discharging phase of Li-ion Battery

5. Usage in Electronic Devices:

Because of their unparalleled benefits, lithium-ion batteries have taken the
lead in the electronic device market, powering wearable technology,
computers, and smartphones. Their extended employment in small devices is
made possible by their high energy density and rechargeability. Li-ion
technology offers reduced weight, increased energy density, and minimal
memory effect over conventional batteries. Because of these features, they are
perfect for portable gadgets since they extend the time between charges and
allow for more streamlined designs. Lithium-ion batteries are the go-to option
for powering contemporary electronics due to their efficiency and reliable
power delivery, which has completely changed the functionality and portability
of consumer electronics.

6. Importance in Technology Advancements:

The development of lithium-ion batteries has been essential to the evolution of
technology, especially in two key areas. They have played an unequalled role in
the advancement of portable electronics. Communication, computing, and
entertainment have all undergone radical changes thanks to the development
of small, high-performing devices made possible by their high energy density
and rechargeability. Second, Li-ion batteries are essential for storing renewable
energy. To address intermittency difficulties, they make it easier to capture and
store energy from renewable sources like solar and wind power. Their capacity
to effectively store and release energy has sped up the transition to
sustainable energy sources and greatly increased the viability and scalability of
renewable energy systems.
7. Environmental Considerations and Safety:
Despite being praised for their efficiency, lithium-ion batteries have safety and
environmental risks. Because of the potentially hazardous materials and
intricate chemistry involved, disposal and recycling pose substantial
challenges. Although recycling properly is essential to reducing environmental
damage and recovering valuable materials, it is still a technological and
financial challenge. Furthermore, safety precautions are necessary because
there is a chance of thermal runaway, which can result in explosions or fires.
The goal of preventive measures is to increase safety. Examples of these are
better production standards and sophisticated battery management systems.
To maximise the advantages of lithium-ion batteries while reducing
environmental and safety risks, innovation must be balanced with responsible
disposal and strict safety procedures.

8. Future Innovations and Research:

Lithium-ion battery development depends on continuing research in a variety
of paths. The current efforts concentrate on reducing expenses and
environmental effect while optimising energy density, lifetime, and safety. The
use of nanotechnology in electrode material optimisation shows potential for
improved performance. The goals of developments in solid-state electrolytes
are to increase energy density and enhance safety. Additionally, studies
investigate post-lithium technologies that may outperform Li-ion in energy
storage, such as solid-state batteries or lithium-sulfur batteries. Innovations
also focus on sustainable production practices and recycling. Next-generation
batteries, which have the potential to transform energy storage, sustainability,
and the changing needs of contemporary technology, are made possible by
these research paths.
9. Conclusion and Significance:
To sum up, lithium-ion batteries represent a revolutionary force in technology.
Their importance is highlighted by their chemistry-driven operation, which
includes electrode materials and discharge cycles. These batteries transformed
devices and advanced portable electronics by providing unmatched energy
density and compactness. Furthermore, their function in storing renewable
energy portends the sustainability of power sources. Nonetheless, issues with
safety and recycling continue to exist. However, more research indicates that
safer, more powerful batteries are on the horizon. They have a huge impact on
society and technology, advancing research into more sustainable energy
solutions, enabling modern connection, and supplying energy for green
activities. Tackling innovation and environmental responsibility together is still
essential to realising their full potential and forming a sustainable tech future.

Reference:
1. https://www.researchgate.net
2. https://engineering.purdue.edu
3. https://letstalkscience.ca
4. https://blog.storemasta.com