Lifecycle of lithium-ion batteries

Lifecycle of lithium-ion batteries

Lithium ion batteries are widely used in electronic products, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems. 

Understanding its lifecycle helps to better utilize and manage this important energy technology.

1.Material procurement and manufacturing

Material procurement

The main materials of lithium-ion batteries include:

Positive electrode materials: Such as lithium cobalt oxide, lithium manganese oxide, lithium nickel cobalt 

manganese, etc.

Negative electrode material: Graphite is usually used.

Electrolyte: Lithium salt dissolved in organic solvents.

Diaphragm: Polyethylene or polypropylene film.

Manufacturing process

Electrode manufacturing: Coating the active material onto the current collector.

Battery assembly: Stacking or winding the positive and negative electrodes and separator into a battery cell, 

injecting electrolyte and sealing it.

Initial charge and discharge: form a stable solid electrolyte interface facial mask (SEI film).

2.Use phase

Initial stage

The performance of the new battery has been improved, and the SEI film is stable.

Stable stage

The battery has the best performance and the smallest capacity degradation.

Decline stage

The battery capacity and performance gradually decrease, electrode materials deteriorate, and electrolyte 

decomposes.

3.Retirement and Recycling

Retirement

Retired when the capacity drops to 80% of the initial capacity, but can continue to be used in applications with 

low capacity requirements.

Recycling

1.Preprocessing: discharge, disassembly, and crushing.

2.Separation: Separate battery components.

3.Reuse: Recycling materials for manufacturing new batteries or other products.

Conclusion

The lifecycle of lithium-ion batteries involves various stages of manufacturing, use, and recycling. Through technological 

innovation and process optimization, performance can be improved, lifespan can be extended, environmental impact can 

be reduced, and the sustainable development of energy structure can be promoted.