Even a Nobel Prize! The history of the spread of lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are undeniably transforming our world. Learn more about them by clicking here.

Part 3: The Revolutionary Journey of Lithium-ion Batteries

Guided by the expertise of Ryoji Kanno, an Institute Professor at the Tokyo Institute of Technology who has dedicated over 30 years to enhancing battery performance, this series delves into the comprehensive world of lithium-ion batteries. This part focuses on their research history and the reasons behind their widespread acclaim.

Supervised by: Ryoji Kanno
Institute Professor (Professor Emeritus), Tokyo Institute of Technology

1. A Nobel Recognition for Lithium-ion Batteries

In 2019, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to three pioneers: Akira Yoshino, John Goodenough, and Stanley Whittingham, credited for their groundbreaking work in lithium-ion batteries. But why do these batteries command such global attention?

The advent of lithium-ion batteries has imparted significant advancements not just in battery technology but also in our daily lives. Without these small yet powerful secondary batteries, our modern devices like smartphones and PCs might not have seen the miniaturization that we so rely on today. These batteries also made feasible the longer ranges of electric vehicles, and catalyzed the introduction of innovative tools such as drones.

Lithium-ion batteries outshined their predecessors such as lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, and nickel-metal hydride batteries by offering unprecedented compactness and lightweight design. The Nobel Prize celebrated not just the technological achievement but also the profound social impact these batteries brought.

Prior to this, in 2014, lithium-ion batteries had already been recognized with the Charles Stark Draper Prize, often termed the Nobel Prize of engineering. This award was presented to John Goodenough, Yoshio Nishi, Rachid Yazami, and Akira Yoshino for their foundational work.

2. The Evolutionary Tale of Lithium-ion Batteries

The journey toward the development of lithium-ion batteries began in 1976 when Whittingham proposed the use of lithium in batteries. Although initial attempts utilizing materials like titanium disulfide and lithium had stability issues, these served as stepping stones for future improvements.

In 1980, Goodenough suggested using lithium cobalt oxide as the cathode material. A year later, Yoshino combined this with a carbon anode, setting the stage for practical lithium-ion batteries. Goodenough continued this line of research, demonstrating the use of cost-effective lithium manganese oxide as a viable cathode material in 1983.

By the 1990s, lithium-ion batteries began powering consumer products like mobile phones and laptops. The shrinking voltage requirement of these devices made it efficient to use a single lithium-ion battery instead of multiple nickel-cadmium ones. The early 2000s saw the rise of electric vehicles, boosted by lithium-ion batteries' high voltage and energy density.

With expanding applications, production costs decreased, further broadening the use of these batteries.

3. Long-lasting Power: Battery Lifespan and the Success of Lithium-ion Batteries

The remarkable lifespan of lithium-ion batteries significantly contributed to their widespread adoption. Unlike other secondary batteries, lithium-ion batteries undergo minimal electrode deterioration, support numerous charging cycles, and resist natural discharge effectively.

The lifespan of a battery can be quantified in terms of cycle life (the number of full charge-discharge cycles a battery can endure) and calendar life (the period a battery can remain usable even when stored). Although these figures can vary based on numerous factors including the manufacturer and usage conditions, lithium-ion batteries generally offer a cycle life of up to 3,500 cycles and a calendar life of 6 to 10 years.

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Although lead-acid batteries feature a longer lifespan, they are bulky and heavy, making lithium-ion batteries the better option from a size and weight perspective. Here's a comparative summary:

Comparison of lifespan across different battery types

4. The Ongoing Evolution of Lithium-ion Batteries

Since Akira Yoshino's development of stable ion exchange technology in 1983, the core principles of lithium-ion batteries have remained stable. However, there have been significant advancements in materials, capacity, and weight.

The initial cobalt-based cathode has been supplemented with materials like manganese, nickel, and iron to reduce costs and enhance cycle life. Furthermore, efforts have been made to maximize material packing density and reduce the weight of the battery casings.

Such continuous improvements attest to the relentless efforts of researchers. The next area of potential innovation lies in 'solid-state batteries,' believed to be the successors to current lithium-ion technology.

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A Brief History of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are essential for a sustainable future. Even with rapid technological advancements, challenges remain. Here, we briefly explore the history of LIBs and their precursors, non-rechargeable lithium batteries.

Introduced commercially in 1991, LIBs revolutionized wireless electronics, facilitating the growth of mobile phones and laptops. Today, they power electric vehicles and store renewable energy. This significant contribution earned three scientists the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2019.

Over three decades, LIBs have become ubiquitous but are also known for their safety risks. For instance, TSA regulations restrict device power to 100-watt hours and require spare LIBs to be carried in hand luggage. Shipping services like UPS also impose restrictions on lithium batteries.

Lithium-ion car batteries, popularized by Tesla since 2021, are under scrutiny for safety issues. The primary risk is fire due to the flammable electrolyte gel. Improper charging or damage exposing the battery to oxygen or water can lead to explosions or fires, as seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian in Florida.

Fortunately, LIB fires can be extinguished with water, unlike non-rechargeable lithium batteries that require class D fire extinguishers. This is because LIBs use lithium ions, rather than elemental lithium, reducing fire risk.

The anode and cathode are critical components of LIBs. The anode, typically made of graphite, releases electrons, while the cathode, often made of lithium compounds, stores them. Material instability in the anode ultimately leads to reduced battery life.

The electrolyte, a lithium salt solution, connects the anode and cathode. In addition to liquid or gel electrolytes, solid-state alternatives are being explored, offering better stability and safer recycling.

Lithium polymer batteries (LiPo), a type of LIB using a gel polymer as an electrolyte, provide higher energy density and are used in weight-sensitive applications like mobile devices and some electric vehicles.

According to the Japan Science and Technology Agency, solid-state batteries can be expensive to produce, costing up to 25 times more than traditional LIBs. However, they offer advantages in safety and recyclability, making them a promising future technology.

For more information, visit the lithium ion battery manufacturer page.