Breakthrough Research Makes Recycling Lithium-Ion Batteries More Economical

Breakthrough Research Makes Recycling Lithium-Ion Batteries More Economical

The climate change crisis we hear about today is closely tied to our energy consumption. Producing energy often involves the use of fossil fuels, hydropower, or solar power. It almost inevitably involves billions in investment and construction costs. The infrastructure can also have a significant impact on the ecology. 

On the other hand, these energy sources then drive countries and economies. They make it possible for us to use consumer goods and services with ease. And with abundant energy supplies, businesses can make their offerings as competitive as Cox cable bundles.  

However, while energy companies are looking at cleaner and renewable sources of energy, another aspect needs consideration. Is the way we store and use energy in any way efficient as we want? The race to energy efficiency has given us several important advancements in Li-On batteries. Read on to find out why Li-On batteries continue to get better.  

Store Higher Densities of Energy  

The biggest recent advantage to using Li-On batteries is their ability to hold very high densities of energy. In other words, a Li-On battery is very efficient at storing a larger charge.

This comes in very handy for equipment that requires constant energy. Your smartphone is a great example. The Li-On battery in a modern smartphone allows it to operate for longer lengths of time between charges.

This advantage also makes it the perfect candidate to power industrial tools and even electric vehicles. EVs in particular need batteries that last for as long as possible. So far, Li-On is the only viable and scalable answer.  

Lower Rate of Self-Discharge  

Have you ever tried to start a car after it was parked for months? You will most likely find you have a dead battery. Even if the car’s electronic functions were not used, a car battery will still lose its charge after extended disuse.

This is known as self-discharge, where a battery loses its stored charge when being used or even if unused. Li-On batteries today have a much lower rate of discharge than other types of batteries. This helps them to not just store a higher density, but also reduce how fast the battery loses it. The result is smartphones, smart accessories, and even EVs with longer battery timing.  

Require Very Little Maintenance 

Maintaining batteries can be inconvenient. It can also be dangerous for people with no experience with electronics. A Li-On battery is the best option on both counts.

Modern lithium-ion batteries require very little maintenance on your part. Unlike other types of batteries, you don’t need to periodically discharge them to preserve their capacity.

You don’t have to change out things like battery acids either. Li-On smartphone batteries can’t even be accessed without dismantling the phone. Yet most smartphones work fine for years. This doesn’t just make them easier to use, but it also reduces the demand for Li-On batteries to more sustainable levels.  

Handle More Voltage with Every Cell  

Lithium-ion batteries typically offer a higher output voltage than most comparable battery types. Each cell generates upwards of 3.5 volts in general. This has two useful benefits.

One, you can generate more energy output with a Li-On battery. Two, you need a smaller Li-On battery for the same job as a larger nickel-cadmium or alkaline battery. 

The average smartphone only uses a single Li-On cell. That allows for more space to include exciting features while increasing battery life in parallel.  

No Need to Prime Before Use 

Li-On battery cells typically are already primed when supplied to you. Unlike most other batteries, this eliminates the need to prime your battery before you can deliver the first charge.

You can always rely on a Li-On battery from a good supplier to be ready for charging and use as soon as you get it. This eliminates unnecessary delays, such as swapping out a damaged battery in an electric vehicle.   

Recyclable  

The most recent development in Li-On battery tech is that they can now be recycled for use. Older Li-On batteries last very long. But they are ultimately discarded.

This adds to the environmental impact as thousands of batteries are discarded every week all over the world. This was one of the biggest points against Li-On. It defeats the purpose of the clean energy movement. However, with advancements in research and battery recycling processes, this is no longer a problem.

New Li-On batteries can be recycled and can help make Li-On batteries more affordable for general consumers.  

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