Applications of Lithium Batteries

This chapter provides an overview of the main current and future applications that Li batteries have in our lives. Presently, the main application of rechargeable Li-ion batteries is in portable electronic devices, such as cellular phones, digital cameras, global positioning system devices, tablets, and laptop computers. Although commercial secondary Li-ion batteries cover the needs of the portable electronic industry satisfactorily, the future of electric vehicles depends on the further development of Li-ion battery technology. Lithium-ion batteries have attractive applications for exoatmospheric aircrafts, especially satellites, due to their ability to be a stable power source in combination with solar energy harvesting and to reduce aircraft weight. Another area that promises many applications for next-generation rechargeable Li-ion batteries is that of biomedical implantable devices, such as pacemakers. Expanding the usage of Li-ion and other secondary battery systems will ensure a sustainable environment with limited CO 2 emissions.