Lithium and lithium-Ion (or Li-ion) batteries are the one single invention, as recent as the 1990s, that almost everyone has at least several of in their home. Modern “electronic” life simply can’t function without them. They are everywhere – your mobile phone, laptop, tablet, e-scooter, e-cigarette, vape, camera, small remote control devices, toys, camera systems, marine, power back up systems, mobility scooters, security systems and the largest array of all will be found in your electric car.
Types of lithium battery
Not many people realise that there are currently two main types of lithium battery:
- Lithium-Ion – with two or more cells and are rechargeable, some up to in excess of 1,000 times, and are “memory-less”, that is, unlike “standard” rechargeable batteries, you can part-charge them at any time without affecting their performance
- Lithium Primary – just one cell and are “disposable”. They do have a longer “shelf life” when left unused. (10 years as opposed to 2-3)
- Other types – the variations include Lithium Cobalt Oxide, Lithium Iron Phosphate, Lithium Manganese Oxide (LMO), Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide, Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide and Lithium Titanate
They all work on the principle of lithium ions moving backwards and forwards between positive and negative electrode material (scientifically referred to as the “intercalation” and “deintercalation” of ions) thus creating the flow of power.
Lithium batteries herald the best and worst of both worlds – a paradox
On the positive hand, they have been very instrumental in helping us to lower our dependence on carbon-intensive fossil-fuels and significantly increase our transition to a more environmentally technological future. They have scored, in particular, with electronic vehicles, and the like of mobile technology where we would otherwise would have to purchase hundreds of traditional “throw away” batteries to power our devices. They are also vital in the storage of energy created by renewable sources (wind and solar).
However, on the negative side, in order to manufacture lithium batteries, their constituents, including lithium, cobalt and nickel pose both ethical and environmental challenges, both in the original extraction of the materials and then later, in their disposal.
Managing your batteries
Unfortunately, it has to be remembered that these batteries, if not handled sensibly, can be hazardous, with the larger the battery, the bigger the threat it poses. They can cause fire, which can occur extremely quickly, and will speedily give off incredible amounts of dangerous toxic gases that can create a cloud and a fill a room even more quickly than some fire alarms can respond to.
As with any product, if used under the manufacturers’ directions, lithium batteries are safe. However, when these batteries, or products containing these batteries, are purchased from less than reputable sellers, there can be problems. The simple rule of thumb is to purchase only quality batteries from reputable sources and never purchase second-hand.
Disposal of lithium batteries
An overarching problem is the safe disposal of lithium batteries, which continues to pose major problems for both the recycling and ‘refuse’ industries. According to Materials Focus, the not-for-profit electrical waste advisors, 1.3 million single-use e-cigarettes are thrown away in the UK every week, which equates to 10,000 kg of lithium taken to landfills each year, equivalent to 1,200 electric vehicles.
And unbeknown to many, there are two further ramifications of vapes. Some of the larger disposable vapes use rechargeable lithium batteries which could technically be reused. Others (non-rechargeable) use cheaply-made sandwiched layers of battery material bound in aluminium tape (see photograph) that are exceptionally prone to damage and leakage.
Recycling plants nationwide are increasingly having major issues with fires cause by the incorrect, or careless disposal of lithium batteries. The big problem occurs when they get crushed in rubbish by being thrown in the domestic waste bin. They are extremely susceptible to spontaneous combustion if crushed on their way to recycling or disposal centres, which is also causing preventable fires on an almost daily basis and putting lives at risk. And an increasing problem is the disposal of damaged batteries that leak corrosive and dangerous chemicals into other recyclable and disposable material and into landfill.
Supermarkets as well as shops in high density shopping areas and malls are increasingly providing special receptacles where you can dispose of your used, undamaged lithium batteries safely. However, you should never place a damaged battery in one of these bins. Alternatively you can take batteries to a specialist or hazardous waste collection site. Damaged batteries can be placed in specialist “lithium-ion drum kits” available at most recycling centres nationwide.
How do you know if your battery is “dangerous”?
Overheating – the battery becomes unusually hot during usage
Leaking – a ‘gel’ appears to be seeping from your battery
Bulge – gas may be building up in the battery indicating internal damage
Odours – a strong acidic smell can indicate internal damage
Device problems – the devise doesn’t perform correctly. Check the battery for any of the above.
Batteries with the problems above need to be disposed of carefully.
Conclusion
The big ‘secret’ is to think before you throw old or damaged lithium batteries away. They are one of the few types of batteries that come with a big social responsibility in usage and disposal.
Consider what the best method of disposal is. For example, if you can extract the battery from a ‘disposable’ vape, this makes it easier for the authorities to themselves recycle or dispose of it correctly (DO NOT extract the sandwiched layer batteries referred to earlier and do not place them in shop recycling receptacles).
If in doubt as to the safety status of your battery, seek specialist advice for best disposal. Make no mistake, if not treated correctly lithium batteries do pose a significant risk that can otherwise be avoided.
Some Lithium Batteries
1. Typical 10.8V laptop battery
2. Typical SLR 7.4V camera battery
3. Small 3.7V disposable vape ‘sandwich’ battery
4. Large 3.7V disposable vape ‘sandwich’ battery
5. Branded 3.7V reusable large vape battery
6. Unbranded 3.7V reusable large vape battery
