Review: Li-ion Batteries: Basics, Advancement, Challenges & Applications in Military

Abstract: Li-ion battery technology has become very important in recent years as these batteries show great promise as power source. They power most of today’s portable devices and seem to overcome the psychological barriers against the use of such high energy density devices on a larger scale. Lithium-ion batteries are being widely used in military applications for over a decade. These man portable applications include tactical radios, thermal imagers, ECM, ESM, and portable computing. In the next five years, due to the rapid inventions going on in li-ion batteries, the usage of lithium batteries will further expand to heavy-duty platforms, such as military vehicles, boats, shelter applications, aircraft and missiles. The aim of this paper is to review key aspects of Li-ion batteries, the basic science behind their operation, the most relevant components, anodes, cathodes, electrolyte solution as well as important future directions for R&D of advanced Li-ion batteries for demanding use in Indian Armed Forces which are deployed in very harsh conditions across the country. Keywords: Li-ion Battery, NiCd battery