Anode materials in Li-ion batteries Research Paper

Anode materials in Li-ion batteries - Research Paper Example Moreover, future development requires different ways of improving the anode materials which shall be discussed in this paper. The paper would be of prime importance for engineers and electronic professionals dealing in Li-ion Batteries whereas it will also benefit other researchers and people who are interesting in learning about the anode materials. Description Li-ion Battery is also known as Lithium ion battery which is primarily used as rechargeable support to different electronic devices. Currently its market sell is around 11 billion which is expected to reach 60 billion by 2020 (Li-ion batteries). Due to the technological advancements human lives are now prominently dominated by electronic gadgets and other devices. These portable electronic items require immense support of rechargeable batteries and hence Lithium ion Battery performs a very crucial role in the technological development. However, these batteries are associated with another important factor which directly impact s their performance and efficiency i.e. the properties of Anode materials used (Li-ion batteries). Source: Futurity 1 Li-ion batteries function on the basis of discharge and recharge of lithium ions. When Lithium ions are transferred from anode to cathode the Li-ion battery discharges. Subsequently it is attached to a socket in order to recharge the ions which now travel in opposite direction i.e. from cathode to anode. The property of materials used in anode substantially affects the capacity and performance of the battery. If some lapses occur in the performance of batteries then particular anode materials are replaced with substances having more capacity, density, battery life cycle, life span of the charge etc. (Li-ion batteries). The chemical reactions taking place in Li-ion batteries are presented below: Complete reaction in a cell of Li-ion Battery At Anode At Cathode The following diagram depicts the Li-ion battery in a functioning state and the movement of ions can be close ly observed. Source: Nexeon 1 Properties of Anode Materials Different anode materials are used in Lithium batteries depending upon the requirement of chargeable devices. The selection of material is further associated with the capacity constraints and the overall life of the battery. Graphite is commercially used in Li-ion battery. The first generation of Li-ion batteries was primarily operated with graphite anode material because it was found beneficial in placing the Lithium ions in to variable layers. Later on these materials were changed due to the limited capacity of graphite to store charge i.e. 300mAhg-1 (Li-ion batteries). Extensive research was conducted so as to identify other suitable materials which could be placed at anode and consequently silicon was examined to be more productive than graphite. Silicon gives the maximum gravimetric capacity while increasing the battery life. The volumetric capacity of anode significantly enhances with the insertion of lithium ions tak e in to the silicon material (Li-ion batteries). When a Li-ion battery is charged which is primarily designed with silicon anode material then the lithium ions enter the silicon ions subsequently increasing the volume by 400%. On the other hand when the battery discharges the lithium ions are removed from silicon material hence decreasing the overall volume. Although silicon has found to be more efficient than the graphite anodes but the continuous contraction and expansion ultimately causes