ABSTRACT
Generally, secondary batteries can be categorized into several types: lead-acid, Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, and Li-ion batteries (LIBs). Among these batteries, LIBs have attracted the most attention. It can be formed into a wide variety of shapes and sizes so as to efficiently fill available space in the devices. LIBs are lighter than other equivalent secondary batteries. The energy is stored in these batteries through the movement of lithium ions. The key advantage of using Li-ion chemistry is the high open circuit voltage that can be obtained in comparison to aqueous batteries (such as lead-acid, Ni-Cd, and Ni-MH). Moreover, LIBs do not suffer from the memory effect. They also have a low self-discharge rate of approximately 5% per month, compared with >30% per month in Ni-MH batteries and 10% per month in Ni-Cd batteries.
