What Materials Are Used in New Energy Batteries?
3 Answers
New energy batteries primarily consist of lithium manganese oxide, lithium iron phosphate, and ternary materials. Below are the relevant introductions: 1. Lithium Manganese Oxide: Lithium manganese oxide batteries are cost-effective and feature good safety and low-temperature performance as cathode materials. However, the material itself is not very stable and tends to decompose, producing gases, hence it is often used in combination with other materials. 2. Lithium Iron Phosphate: Lithium iron phosphate ion batteries offer excellent thermal stability, safety, low cost, and long lifespan, but have low energy density and are sensitive to low temperatures. The internal chemical composition of these batteries only begins to decompose at temperatures between 500-600°C, and they do not burn or explode under conditions such as puncturing, short-circuiting, or high temperatures.
When discussing the materials used in new energy vehicle batteries, from my auto repair experience, it mainly revolves around the different components of lithium-ion batteries. The cathode commonly uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) or ternary materials like lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (NCM), which determine energy density and stability—LFP offers lower cost and durability, while ternary materials are more efficient but have weaker thermal stability. The anode is typically graphite, sometimes doped with silicon to increase capacity. The electrolyte consists of carbonate-based solvents and lithium salts, responsible for ion conduction, but requires precautions against leakage and safety risks. The separator is made of polymers like polyethylene to prevent electrode contact and short circuits. The casing and terminals use aluminum alloy to protect the internal components. When replacing a battery, I consider how these materials affect range and lifespan—for example, ternary materials perform better in winter. Choosing materials involves balancing performance and cost, with significant variations across different vehicle models and configurations.
From an environmental perspective, the materials used in new energy batteries raise sustainability concerns. For the cathode, materials like nickel-cobalt-aluminum involve pollution issues in cobalt and nickel mining, while lithium iron phosphate is more eco-friendly. Graphite production for the anode has high emissions, prompting development of silicon-based alternatives. Organic solvents in electrolytes can be toxic if leaked, making recycling crucial—methods like hydrometallurgy recover lithium metals. Many manufacturers promote cobalt-free or low-cobalt battery materials to reduce reliance on rare metals. Post-use battery recycling is also critical when their lifespan ends. When choosing a vehicle, I prioritize brands supporting green supply chains to drive overall ecological improvement. Advancements in materials are making new energy solutions increasingly low-carbon.
