In this post, we discuss why most smartphone devices use lithium-ion batteries. A lithium-ion battery or Li-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery composed of cells in which lithium ions move from the negative electrode through an electrolyte to the positive electrode during discharge and back when charging.
Li-ion cells use an intercalated lithium compound as the material at the positive electrode and mostly graphite at the negative electrode. Li-ion batteries have a high energy density, no memory effect, and low self-discharge. Cells can be manufactured to either prioritize energy or power density. They can however be a safety hazard since they contain flammable electrolytes and if damaged or incorrectly charged can lead to explosions and fires. Stick around as we discuss why smartphone devices use lithium-ion batteries.
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Why do smartphone devices use lithium-ion batteries?
a) Lithium-ion batteries are designed with extreme safety in mind. They have a pressure-sensitive vent hole. In the event of the battery getting extremely hot, this vent releases the extra pressure, thereby preventing fire.
Most lithium-ion batteries come packed with a separator, which is made up of polyolefin. In the event of excessive heat, when the core reaches 130°C (266°F), this separator fuse melts and stops the transport of ions. Thereby shutting down the battery.
b) A lot of lithium-ion batteries are capable of storing up to 150 watt-hours of electrical energy in a battery weight of just 1 Kg. On the contrary, nickel-metal hydride batteries and most other types of battery technologies come in much heavier battery weight. Additionally, most other battery technologies are not capable of such huge storage of electricity. A lead-acid battery can store just 25 watt-hours per kilogram, while a nickel-metal battery can store only about 60 to 70 watt-hours per kilogram.
Lithium is a highly reactive element making it possible to store a lot of energy in its atomic bonds. Quite expectedly, lithium batteries, typically, have high energy density.
c) While lithium batteries are not really the lightest in weight, they are typically much lighter than most other types of batteries.
Users nowadays want and essentially demand manufacturers build lighter and easy-to-carry smartphones. Hence, most smartphone manufacturers prefer using lithium battery technology in their devices. This is done in order to ensure that their smartphone devices are lighter in weight.
d) It is rather easier charging lithium-ion battery-powered smartphones. One rarely needs to wait for the smartphone to be discharged fully before recharging it again. In addition, lithium-ion battery-powered smartphones could be plugged into electricity for a long period without any serious issues.