Are lithium-ion batteries a good choice for energy storage?

Lithium-ion batteries are being widely deployed in vehicles, consumer electronics, and more recently, in electricity storage systems. These batteries have, and will likely continue to have, relatively high costs per kWh of electricity stored, making them unsuitable for long-duration storage that may be needed to support reliable decarbonized grids.

What are lithium-ion batteries used for?

Not only are lithium-ion batteries widely used for consumer electronics and electric vehicles, but they also account for over 80% of the more than 190 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of battery energy storage deployed globally through 2023.

What is a lithium-ion battery and how does it work?

The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery is the predominant commercial form of rechargeable battery, widely used in portable electronics and electrified transportation.

Could Li-S batteries be cheaper than ion batteries with graphite anodes?

With sulfur’s abundance and relatively low atomic weight, Li-S batteries could be cheaper and lighter than Li-ion batteries with graphite anodes, but achieving this high energy density simultaneously with long cycle life remains a grand challenge for energy storage scientists and engineers.

Are Li-ion batteries better than other rechargeable batteries?

Compared to other high-quality rechargeable battery technologies (nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal-hydride, or lead-acid), Li-ion batteries have a number of advantages.

What materials are used in lithium ion batteries?

Li-ion batteries can use a number of different materials as electrodes. The most common combination is that of lithium cobalt oxide (cathode) and graphite (anode), which is used in commercial portable electronic devices such as cellphones and laptops.