Chemical View on Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

The basic components of the lithium ion batteries are anode, cathode and electrolyte. Other invaluable parts are additives such as fire retardants or substances useful in creating a protective microscopic layer during the first charge and discharge cycle. Further charging and discharging cycles performed without this microscopic layer lead to a degradation process on a surface of an electrode material, resulting in the decrease of the capacity and the increase of internal resistance of the battery. In this review, all the parts of the batteries mentioned above are described along with other materials that are necessary in the design of a functional lithium ion battery.