Problem:
Batteries and how lithium was used to make them more efficient.
Batteries and how lithium was used to make them more efficient.
Lithium batteries are disposable batteries that have lithium metal or compounds as an anode. The anode is the part of the cell that transports the electrons in order for the circuit to be complete. Lithium is used in these batteries due to the fact that lithium is the lightest metal in group one and it is a conductor of electricity. "Lithium Battery." There are also batteries called Lithium-ion batteries, they are rechargeable batteries that are more widely used nowadays, they are used for portable electronics with a high energy density, no memory effect and a slow loss of charge when not in use. These types of batteries have replaced batteries in many electric vehicles and aerospace applications. Lithium-ion batteries replaced lead acid batteries that were used for golf carts and utility vehicles. This is due to the fact that the electrically powered vehicles had to use heady lead plates and acid electrolyte, which would sometimes slow down the vehicle by putting extra weight on it. With these lithium-ion batteries, the same output/voltage is produced though with less weight therefore it is a new trend. "Lithium-ion Battery."
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Despite all its advantages, lithium that is used in batteries has a huge disadvantage, unlike other rechargeable batteries the lithium has a flammable electrolyte that is kept pressurised and could trigger an explosion under some circumstances. Due to this, handheld electronics use another compound of lithium that is safer but less efficient. Some other compounds used are Lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium manganese oxide (LMO) and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), they offer lower energy density but have longer lives and more safety. In response to this, the testing standards for these batteries are stricter than for normal ones, they also require additional battery specific tests. Due to these drawbacks, some airlines have a ban on lithium batteries as they are at risk. In March 2007 computer manufacturer Lenovo recalled approximately 205,000 batteries at risk of explosion. "Lithium: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings - WebMD."
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