Lithium-ion battery manufacturing

Performance of the surface treated purified natural graphite SLC1015 and other similar grades in Superior Graphite s SLC product family has attracted a number of lithium-ion battery manufacturers. The number of satisfied end-users is steadily growing. 

R. J. Brodd, Factors Affecting U. S. Production Decisions Why are There No Volume Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturers in the United States ATP Working Paper Series, Working Paper 05-01, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, June 2005. 

Due to their reactivity with electrolyte solutions, especially in the charged state, the most useful thermal behavior testing (e.g., DSC) of the candidate cathode materials occurs in the presence of electrolyte. Below, the results of a comprehensive study done by MacNeil et al. [9] have been used in preparation of graphs shown in Figs. 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, and 5.7, with several cathode/electrolyte system behavior trends identified and discussed common cathode name abbreviations used in the discussion are listed in Table 5.1. Similar studies are commonly done by the lithium-ion battery manufacturers on various cathode and/or electrolyte materials candidates and are usually treated as a basic introduction to the ARC testing and other safety-related experiments on larger cells (overcharge, nail penetration tests, etc.). 

Secondary lithium-metal batteries which have a lithium-metal anode are attractive because their energy density is theoretically higher than that of lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-molybdenum disulfide batteries were the world s first secondary cylindrical lithium—metal batteries. However, the batteries were recalled in 1989 because of an overheating defect. Lithium-manganese dioxide batteries are the only secondary cylindrical lithium—metal batteries which are manufactured at present. Lithium-vanadium oxide batteries are being researched and developed. Furthermore, electrolytes, electrolyte additives and lithium surface treatments are being studied to improve safety and recharge-ability. 

Commercial and non-commercial carbons were tested for their applicability as anode of lithium-ion battery. It was found that Superior Graphite Co s materials are characterized both by high reversible capacities and low irreversible capacities and thus can be regarded as good candidates for practical full cells. Cylindrical AA-size Li-ion cells manufactured using laboratory techniques on the basis of SL-20 anode had initial capacities over 500 mAh (volumetric energy density ca. 240 Wh/dm3). Boron-doped carbon... 

In 1991, Sony introduced the first lithium-ion battery and other manufacturers quickly followed. Lithium-ion is a low maintenance battery, there is no memory and no scheduled cycling is required to extend the battery s life. A protection circuit is used to prevent metallic lithium plating from an overcharge. Some capacity deterioration occurs after a year and lifetime is usually two or three years, but some lithium-ion packs are known to have served for five years in some applications. 

Cost is always a problem when vehicles are made in limited numbers since the parts will cost more. The lithium ion batteries used in Nissan s Altra EV were reported to cost close to six figures. Since electric cars sell for 30,000 or more, a lease can soften the cost of the vehicle. It also isolates the user from expensive battery replacements. Even these subsidized leases required an extra 100 or more in monthly payments compared to a more conventional vehicle. Leasing allows the manufacturers to keep control of the vehicle for repairs and recalls. As the technology changes, a lease keeps customers from having a 2-3 year vehicle that is out of warranty with needing obsolescent, expensive parts. 

PEN is used in manufacturing electrochemical lithium ion batteries because it is dimensionally stable and highly resilient [54], It could replace polyethylenimine, which is currently used at unusually high temperatures to cure special inks. PEN is also useful in membrane touch switches (MTSs) where the circuit would be exposed to a high temperature, such as the domes for switches and seat sensors in automobiles. PEN is also particularly suited to a wide range of flexible heaters and low- to intermediate-voltage heaters, such as waterbed heaters and battery heaters. 

Table 2. Major Manufacturers of Lithium-Ion Battery Separators along with Their Typical Products ...

Thermal Stability. Lithium-ion batteries can be poisoned by water, and so materials going into the cell are typically dried at 80 °C under vacuum. Under these conditions, the separator must not shrink significantly and definitely must not wrinkle. Each battery manufacturer has specific drying procedures. The requirement of less than 5% shrinkage after 60 min at 90 °C (in a vacuum) in both MD and TD direction is a reasonable generalization. 

Gel polymer lithium-ion batteries replace the conventional liquid electrolytes with an advanced polymer electrolyte membrane. These cells can be packed in lightweight plastic packages as they do not have any free electrolytes and they can be fabricated in any desired shape and size. They are now increasingly becoming an alternative to liquid-electrolyte lithium-ion batteries, and several battery manufacturers. such as Sanyo. Sony, and Panasonic have started commercial production.Song et al. have recently reviewed the present state of gel-type polymer electrolyte technology for lithium-ion batteries. They focused on four plasticized systems, which have received particular attention from a practical viewpoint, i.e.. poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). poly (acrylonitrile) (PAN). ° poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). - and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF) based electrolytes. ... 

There has been a continued demand for thinner battery separators to increase battery power and capacity. This has been especially true for lithium-ion batteries used in portable electronics. However, it is very important to ensure the continued safety of batteries, and this is where the role of the separator is greatest. Thus, it is essential to optimize all the components of battery to improve the performance while maintaining the safety of these cells. Separator manufacturers should work along with the battery manufacturers to create the next generation of batteries with increased reliability and performance, but always keeping safety in mind. 

In France, electric cars are popular enough to inspire plans for models from manufacturers including Renault SA. and Societe de Vehicules Electriques (SVE, a part of Dassault Group), which ran a successful 2005 trial of eight experimental electric mail delivery vans for La Poste, the French postal service that now plans an all-electric fleet by 2013. Both manufacturers are using expensive and lithium-ion batteries. 

Batteries, Design Manufacture Lithium-Ion Batteries Nanotechnology... 

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