The basic structure of a lithium battery primarily consists of five components: the positive electrode, negative electrode, separator, electrolyte, and casing. Different types of lithium batteries vary in their specific structure and packaging formats. Below is a detailed description:
Lithium-ion battery
The cathode active material is typically a lithium-containing metal oxide, such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂) or lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (Li(NiCoMn)O₂), coated onto an aluminum foil current collector. The anode active material is usually graphite, coated onto a copper foil current collector. The separator employs a porous plastic film made of polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), positioned between the positive and negative electrodes to prevent short circuits. The electrolyte consists of an organic solvent containing dissolved lithium salts, such as lithium hexafluorophosphate. Battery casings come in various shapes, including cylindrical and prismatic forms. Common cylindrical lithium batteries include the 18650 battery, while prismatic lithium batteries are widely used in mobile phones, electric vehicles, and other applications.
Polymer Lithium-ion Battery
The positive and negative electrode active materials are similar to those in lithium-ion batteries, but the electrolyte is either a gel-like electrolyte or an organic electrolyte adsorbed onto a polymer material. The battery casing uses aluminum-plastic film packaging, which is lightweight, thin, and freely bendable, enabling it to be formed into various shapes such as ultra-thin batteries or irregularly shaped batteries.
All-Solid-State Lithium Battery
Solid-state electrolytes, such as polymer solid-state electrolytes and inorganic solid-state electrolytes, serve dual functions as both electrolyte and separator, preventing lithium dendrite penetration. While the cathode and anode materials resemble those in conventional lithium batteries, structural design must address issues like reducing solid/solid interface resistance due to the unique properties of solid-state electrolytes.
Post time: Dec-03-2025