There are many suppliers who supply materials for various components of the lithium ion batteries.se components include cathode, anode, electrolyte, and, separator. Market of these batteries has
increased at a fast pace since 2015 and is expected to grow further in the coming years.
The battery is a source of low emission energy and people take care of many things while buying the battery. These factors are as follows.
Cost
The cost of the battery is high because of the materials used to manufacture it. Along with it, processing of the materials and cost of cell, packaging, and manufacturing is also included in the
total cost of the battery.
Performance
Performance if the battery deteriorates with age and usage. The discharge power becomes low with time.
Safety
Lithium-ion technology is not considered safe as overcharging, short-circuit, high temperature etc. can lead to fire and explosion.
Components of Lithium-Ion Battery
A lithium-ion battery consists of four components, which include cathode, anode, electrolyte, and separator. Different materials are used to make these components and there are various lithium ion battery materials suppliers who supply these materials. Some of these suppliers of lithium ion battery materials provide materials for
one or two components while some provide materials for all the components. Let us have a look at the materials used for manufacturing these components.
Cathode materials
Many lithium oxides are used for manufacturing cathode and these include
Lithium manganese oxide
Lithium cobalt oxide
Lithium nickel oxide
Vanadium oxide
Oxides of lithium having
cobalt and nickel are used more in comparison to other oxides. They have the feature to withstand high voltage. One disadvantage is that cobalt is toxic ion nature and is also
available in a limited quantity in nature. Manganese is used as a substitute as it is non-toxic but has limited cycling behavior. In such a case, cobalt, nickel, and manganese are combined used
with lithium to make cathode.
Anode materials
Anode materials consist of lithium, graphite, silicon, and many others. The main problem with lithium is its recycling behavior and dendrites created result in short circuit. That is the reason
carbonaceous anodes are used in the batteries. The cost of these materials is low and they are available in abundance.
Electrolytes
The safety of a battery depends in the type of electrolyte used on it. The electrolyte must have the feature of withstanding high voltage and temperature. The shelf life of the material should
also be very long. Electrolytes are available in liquid form and are used to transfer lithium from cathode to anode and vice versa.
Separators
Separators are used to separate the two electrodes from each other on order to prevent short circuit. It is an electronic insulator and has minimum effect on electrolyte.
Suppliers for lithium ion battery materials
Battery manufacturers can contact suppliers for lithium ion battery materials to supply the required materials to manufacture batteries. Some provide the materials for a few components while
other lithium ion battery materials suppliers provide materials for all the components.