View source for Lithium-ion battery

== Introduction ==
A [[Lithium-ion battery|lithium-ion battery]] or Li-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery that uses lithium ions as a key component of its electrochemistry. Lithium-ion batteries have a high energy density, no memory effect (other than LFP cells) and low self-discharge. They can also be dangerous if mistreated.

== History ==
The history of the lithium-ion battery began in the 1970s, with the initial development of [[Lithium battery|lithium batteries]]. The first commercial lithium-ion battery was introduced by [[Sony|Sony Corporation]] in 1991.

== Design ==
The design of a lithium-ion battery involves the assembly of an anode, cathode, separator, and electrolyte. The anode is typically made from carbon, the cathode is a metal oxide, and the electrolyte is a lithium salt in an organic solvent.

[[Image:Detail-43999.jpg|thumb|center|A close-up view of a lithium-ion battery with its components labeled.|class=only_on_mobile]]
[[Image:Detail-44000.jpg|thumb|center|A close-up view of a lithium-ion battery with its components labeled.|class=only_on_desktop]]

== Performance ==
Lithium-ion batteries have a number of performance characteristics that make them the battery of choice for many applications. These include a high energy density, long cycle life, and low self-discharge rate.

== Applications ==
Lithium-ion batteries are used in a wide range of applications, from [[Electric vehicle|electric vehicles]] and [[Portable electronics|portable electronics]] to [[Grid energy storage|grid energy storage]] and [[Aerospace|aerospace]] applications.

== Safety ==
While lithium-ion batteries are generally safe and unlikely to fail, when they do, the results can be severe. As such, a number of safety features are built into lithium-ion batteries, including venting mechanisms and thermal fuses.

== Recycling ==
The recycling of lithium-ion batteries is an important aspect of their lifecycle. It involves the recovery of valuable materials, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, and the safe disposal of other materials.

== Future Developments ==
There are several areas of research and development in the field of lithium-ion batteries, including the development of solid-state batteries, the use of alternative materials, and improvements in safety and performance.

== See Also ==
* [[Battery recycling]]
* [[Electric vehicle]]
* [[Grid energy storage]]
* [[Solid-state battery]]

[[Category:Energy storage]]
[[Category:Rechargeable batteries]]
[[Category:Electrochemistry]]