It is impossible to imagine life without a remote control, wall clocks, singing children's toys, flashlights and many other things for which the battery is a battery. And despite the fact that ever increasing popularity began to use rechargeable (rechargeable) batteries, ordinary do not stop releasing, as they are convenient for hikes and places where there is no possibility to charge them. Therefore, there was a need to create batteries that can work longer. So there were lithium batteries.
In this article, you will learn how the lithium battery is made, labeling and whether it can be recharged.
Device of lithium battery
The lithium battery is the same chemical power source as salt, alkaline and alkaline, only the most active metal, lithium, was used instead of the anode.
The advantages of lithium batteries are as follows:
- a large range of temperatures at which I can work;
- high energy density;
- long shelf life (up to 15 years);
- little weight;
- small self-discharge.
Depending on the material used for the cathode, lithium batteries are:
- lithium iron disulphide;
- lithium-thionyl chloride;
- lithium-fluorocarbon;
- lithium-manganese dioxide;
- lithium-sulfur dioxide;
- lithium iodine;
- lithium-copper oxide.
Between them, they differ in almost all operating characteristics: the limits of operating temperatures, operating voltage and energy intensity.
Due to the complexity of the manufacturing process, such batteries are more expensive.
The marking on lithium batteries is standard:
- AAA, AA, C, D - to indicate the size;
- L - use in the chemical structure of lithium;
- R, F - form (cylindrical or flat);
- the numbers are the radius.
Lithium batteries are used most often for clocks, computer and medical equipment, photographic equipment, calculators, and measuring instruments. For ease of use, they are available in different forms: cylinder, tablets, buttons, squares, etc.
Rechargeable lithium batteries
If a non-rechargeable lithium battery is not yet in high demand, because of its high cost, then rechargeable (batteries) - is used in almost all portable electrical appliances: laptops, telephones, cameras and others.
There are 2 types:
- lithium-ion;
- lithium-polymer.
Like ordinary lithium batteries, battery cells also have high performance, but due to the lack of liquid electrolyte, are environmentally safe and can be of any shape. But they are very sensitive to recharging and overdischarge, so there must always be a charge and discharge limiter in the charging device. Lithium-polymer batteries are improved lithium-ion batteries, they use a gel electrolyte. But they are not yet convenient for use, since such a lithium battery needs to be charged with a special charger.
As with alkaline and salt batteries, there are rules of operation and lithium, only non-compliance with these rules can lead to more serious consequences (fire, explosion).
When working with lithium rechargeable batteries, follow the recommendations:
- store in a charged state in a cool dry place;
- observe the operating temperature range;
- Avoid frequent full discharges;
- Avoid exposure to fire, short circuit between its contacts, any damage to the housing and liquid ingress into the interior;
- Do not use chargers that are not designed for this type of battery.
After the battery has served its time, it is not recommended to discard it with all food debris, but should be handed over to special points for reception of used batteries for further proper disposal without harm to the environment.