Lithium rechargeable batteries

During the last twenty years, technological progress in electronics and communications has increased the demand for lightweight, compact electrical power sources. The prerequisites for these devices include high stable voltage, long operational and storage life, light weight, a wide range of allowable operating conditions, and low to moderate cost. Lithium batteries offer the opportunity to meet these requirements. The well documented development of lithium battery technologies were stimulated technologically and financially by military and space requirements. Early development centered on primary lithium batteries, but recent developments have centered on the development of secondary or rechargeable lithium batteries. A myriad of different cathode materials provides for a wide variety of systems that are classified as rechargeable lithium batteries. In this paper, the authors describe some of the different chemistries, recent developments, and applications that are available. The discussion is limited to ambient or near ambient temperature systems since these are most appropriate for electronic and consumer applications. An appropriate comparison is made to competing battery systems such as nickel/metal hydride.