Lithium Ion Battery Operation

[Als48]

Hey troops, the thread on galvanic action/corrosion got me to thinking about Lithium Ion batteries. Tubman, how does Lithium fit into the galvanic table? I'm sure I could have googled an found it, but I thought someone here would know how these batteries work.

Thanks, Al Hook

[GLAmes]

I have lithium ion batteries in my boat and they work very well, with a caveat. They require a special charger because their charging voltage needs to be around 16 volts. I have a Mercury electronically controlled fuel injection outboard engine. Mercury will void the warranty if you use a lithium battery because it is not compatable with the electronics or the charging system which forces me to employ an AGM battery for it's operation. As a result, it is my opinion that using a lithium battery in an automobile (other than an EV or hybrid) isn't viable. As a side note, they are really expensive.

[tubman]

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Originally Posted by Als48

Hey troops, the thread on galvanic action/corrosion got me to thinking about Lithium Ion batteries. Tubman, how does Lithium fit into the galvanic table? I'm sure I could have googled an found it, but I thought someone here would know how these batteries work.

Thanks, Al Hook

Sorry Al, that's above my pay grade. My technical education ended about 1975. I will Google it out of idle curiosity, though.

I can't find a specific number, but I did find this : "These cells use lithium which is the lowest or most negative standard reduction potential giving it the best reducing strength and meaning that when combined with the proper cathode the maximum amount of voltage for a cell could be achieved. Normally these cells output around 3.4 V."

It must be way beyond magnesium. (The cathode is still carbon.)

Also, this list. Notice that graphite (carbon) is not on it.

Element Potential

Lithium -3.04
Rubidium -2.92
Potassium -2.92
Calcium -2.87
Barium -2.80
Sodium -2.71
Magnesium -2.37
Beryllium -1.85
Aluminum -1.67
Manganese -1.19
Zinc -0.76
Chromium -0.74
Tungsten -0.58
Iron -0.44
Cadmium -0.40
Cobalt -0.28
Nickel -0.24
Tin -0.14
Lead -0.13
Hydrogen +0.00
Antimony +0.10
Copper +0.34
Iodine +0.54
Silver +0.80
Mercury +0.85
Bromine +1.07
Platinum +1.20
Chlorine +1.36
Gold +1.50
Fluorine +2.87