What Is A Lithium-Ion Battery

Lithium-ion batteries are the leading technology in portable power stations and solar generators. But what is a lithium-ion battery? Built with lithium ions, these popular rechargeable batteries power electrical devices, including smartphones, laptops, heaters, refrigerators, ACs, etc.

Jackery is a renowned solar brand manufacturing portable power stations and solar generators. Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro is the ultimate power solution with a battery capacity of 3024Wh. It can help you charge 99% of your home or outdoor electrical devices for an extended period of time.

Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Portable Power Station
- Features a massive lithium-ion battery of 3024Wh to charge 99% of your appliances. - Charges in only 3-4 hours using Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels. - Functional in temperatures up to -20°C /-4°F. - Ideal for off-grid living and prolonged power outages. - Fully upgraded BMS for safety.

What Is A Lithium-Ion Battery

Before we dive deep into the topic, let us answer the question: what is a lithium-ion battery? Lithium-ion batteries consist of single or multiple Li-ion cells and a circuit board. Unlike other batteries, Li-ion batteries have high energy densities and can deliver up to 3.65V.

A Li-ion cell consists of four elements: a cathode, an anode, a separator, and an electrolytic solution. A lithium-ion battery assembles more than one cell integrated into a single module. The module combined with a BMS (Battery Management System) constitutes the battery.

How A Lithium-Ion Battery Works

As mentioned above, the lithium-ion battery comprises anode, cathode, separator, and two electrodes. The remaining space of the battery is filled with an electrolyte. Below we reveal "how does a lithium-ion battery work."

During the charging process, the charger passes current to the lithium-ion battery. The lithium ions start moving through the separator from the cathode to the anode. The electrical difference between the two electrodes charges the battery.

Unlike charging, the discharge circuit is formed between the anode and cathode in discharging. In this case, the lithium ions are stored in the anode, which then moves to the cathode. Lastly, the energy is used, causing the battery to discharge.

Let's now understand how electricity flows in a lithium-ion cell. The cell also consists of an anode, a cathode, an electrolyte medium, and a separator. In the lithium-ion battery, an ether-based solution acts as an electrolyte.

This sophisticated solution allows lithium-ion to pass while stopping the electrons from passing through the microscopic holes in the separator. The lithium ions move and meet with their long-lost electrons in the cathode to create a reduction reaction.

The Pros and Cons of Lithium-Ion Battery

Lithium-ion batteries have several advantages compared to other batteries, such as nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal-hydride. But how to charge a lithium-ion battery? These lithium batteries can be charged using solar panels, making them a clean and green solution. Despite their technological promise, there are a few things that one must keep in mind with regard to safety.

Pros

• Lithium-ion batteries have a higher energy and power density.
• They are rechargeable with minimal memory effect.
• They charge faster and can hold power for a long time.
• Li-ion battery has a low self-discharge (less than NiMh and NiCd)
• These batteries have a long lifecycle and extended shelf-life

Cons

• The Li-ion battery requires a protection circuit, so there is no thermal runaway.
• It can degrade at high temperatures and high voltage.

The Usage of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Modern lithium-ion batteries are used for a wide range of applications. Here are some common uses of Li-ion batteries in day-to-day life.

• Electric Vehicles (EVs): These vehicles generally require batteries or cells with long life, quick charging ability, and stability. For this reason, automakers use lithium-ion batteries.
• Portable Electronics: Products such as tablets, laptops, smartphones, and other electronic devices use Li-ion batteries with high power density.
• Medical Devices: Portable medical equipment like hearing aids, pacemakers, etc., use Li-ion batteries as they have longer lifespans and low self-discharge.

The Types of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Different types of lithium batteries use unique active materials and have their benefits and drawbacks.

Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO)

LCO batteries have higher specific energy but low specific power. They are common in small portable electronics, like tablets, phones, etc. However, they are expensive due to the high cost of cobalt.

Lithium-ion Manganese Oxide (LMO)

These LMO batteries use lithium manganese oxide as a cathode. They deliver higher currents and better thermal stability than LCO batteries. The main downside of LMO is its short lifespan. 

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)

Lithium iron phosphate battery, or LiFePO4, uses phosphate as a cathode and graphite carbon electrode as an anode. They have a long lifecycle with good electrochemical performance and thermal stability. However, they have relatively low specific energy.

Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC)

NMC batteries combine three main elements as cathode: nickel, cobalt, and manganese. They have a longer lifespan and high energy density at low cost. The only drawback of NMC is that they have a slightly lower voltage than most cobalt-based batteries.

Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminium Oxide (NCA)

The NCA batteries offer high specific energy and a long lifecycle. They can deliver a high amount of current for long periods. However, these batteries are less safe and more expensive than most other lithium technologies.

Lithium Titanate (LTO)

Lithium titanate batteries are generally safer and have a long lifespan. These batteries can charge faster than other types available in the list. You can usually find these batteries in EVs, charging stations, solar street lights, etc. However, they are expensive and offer low energy density.

Jackery Lithium-Ion Portable Power Station

Jackery offers a wide range of solar power stations with safe and long-lasting lithium-ion batteries. Whether you're looking for a power solution for your home, outdoors, or working, Jackery's range of power stations has got you covered.

Jackery Explorer 500 Power Station

One of the smallest and most portable solutions comes with a 518Wh lithium-ion battery. It can charge small and mid-size devices like tablets, smartphones, etc. It weighs only 13.32 lbs, making them ideal for short and long trips.

Customer Review

"I purchased the Jackery 500 for long road trips and car camping. It has also come in handy during power outages. When using this to just keep personal electronics charged, it easily lasts through an entire weekend." — Eric Carbognin.

Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro Power Station

The Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro has a lithium-ion battery of 1002Wh capacity that provides power to 93% of home appliances during power outages. It's a sustainable home backup system to help you lower your electricity bills and enjoy short trips.

Customer Review

"The Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro with 2*80w Solarsaga panels is a great power station for camping and use as an emergency source of household power. It will power most small appliances and charge to full in under 8 hours with 2*80w Solarsaga panels." — Tim.

Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro Power Station

With a battery capacity of 1512Wh, this power solution is suitable for all your needs. From providing reliable home backup to 95% of appliances to serving as a portable power source for road trips, Explorer 1500 Pro has got you covered.

Customer Review

"I needed a portable generator for use in the RV for the CPAP machine, so I decided to get 1500 because of the long usage time and fast recharge!" — Doug Richards.

Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Power Station

Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro has a massive 2160Wh battery capacity. With a portable design, the lithium-ion battery offers a whole lot of energy to take on road trips, camping, or keeping your home appliances charged during outages.

Customer Review

"Great for short-term home backup and for camping/tailgating. I keep mine charged as a battery backup for essential home appliances and have used it while tailgating to keep a heater and hotpot going." — DJ.

Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Power Station

The popular Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro is designed to supply electricity to 99% of home appliances. The lithium-ion battery, with a capacity of 3024Wh, can be an ideal battery backup for home, RV trips, and travel trailers.

Customer Review

"Used this during my last camping trip, and it is awesome! Powered microwave, a portable fridge/freezer, and 2 heated blankets at night, and I still have plenty of battery left the next day." — Christian.

Lithium-Ion Battery FAQs

What is the difference between a lithium-ion battery and a regular battery?

Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and have a longer shelf life than regular or alkaline batteries. Another difference between lithium-ion and regular batteries is that alkaline batteries have standard sizes, while lithium batteries are customizable. 

How to increase the lithium-ion battery lifespan?

The estimated life of the lithium-ion battery is around 300 to more than 2000 charge cycles. Some measures to increase the lifespan of Li-ion batteries include using a battery management system, avoiding overcharging and deep cycling, and keeping the batteries cool.

Is lithium-ion battery worth it?

In short, yes. Lithium-ion batteries are known for higher energy and power density. Compared to heavier lead-acid batteries, Li-ion batteries are lighter and used in portable devices.

Final Thoughts

What is a lithium-ion battery is less of a question as these batteries are everywhere nowadays. They're in smartphones, computers, cordless power tools, and electric vehicles. There are multiple types of lithium-ion batteries available, each having pros and cons.

The ideal way to choose the best battery backup is to understand your needs, power requirements, safety, and budget. Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations are designed with all-around safety systems. They have a long lifespan and can supply stable and reliable electricity to home or outdoor appliances.