Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO₂) - LCO

 

About:

Lithium-ion is named for its active materials; the words are either written in full or shortened by their chemical symbols. A series of letters and numbers strung together can be hard to remember and even harder to pronounce, and battery chemistries are also identified in abbreviated letters. 

For example, lithium cobalt oxide, one of the most common Li-ions, has the chemical symbols LiCoO2 and the abbreviation LCO. For reasons of simplicity, the short form Li-cobalt can also be used for this battery. Cobalt is the main active material that gives this battery character. Other Li-ion chemistries are given similar short-form names.  

Technology Description:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Its high specific energy makes Li-cobalt the popular choice for mobile phones, laptops and digital cameras. The battery consists of a cobalt oxide cathode and a graphite carbon anode. The cathode has a layered structure and during discharge, lithium ions move from the anode to the cathode. The flow reverses on charge. The drawback of Li-cobalt is a relatively short life span, low thermal stability and limited load capabilities (specific power). 

The drawback of Li-cobalt is a relatively short life span, low thermal stability and limited load capabilities (specific power). Like other cobalt-blended Li-ion, Li-cobalt has a graphite anode that limits the cycle life by a changing solid electrolyte interface (SEI), thickening on the anode and lithium plating while fast charging and charging at low temperature. Newer systems include nickel, manganese and/or aluminum to improve longevity, loading capabilities and cost. 

Li-cobalt should not be charged and discharged at a current higher than it’s C-rating. This means that an 18650 cell with 2,400mAh can only be charged and discharged at 2,400mA. Forcing a fast charge or applying a load higher than 2,400mA causes overheating and undue stress. For optimal fast charge, the manufacturer recommends a C-rate of 0.8C or about 2,000mA. 


Voltages 

3.60V nominal; typical operating range 3.0–4.2V/cell 

Specific energy (capacity) 

150–200Wh/kg. Specialty cells provide up to 240Wh/kg. 

Charge (C-rate) 

0.7–1C, charges to 4.20V (most cells); 3h charge typical. Charge current above 1C shortens battery life. 

Discharge (C-rate) 

1C; 2.50V cut off. Discharge current above 1C shortens battery life. 

Cycle life 

500–1000, related to depth of discharge, load, temperature 

Thermal runaway 

150°C (302°F). Full charge promotes thermal runaway 

Applications 

Mobile phones, tablets, laptops, cameras 

Comments 
 
 
Latest update: 

Very high specific energy, limited specific power. Cobalt is expensive. Serves as Energy Cell. Market share has stabilized. 
 
Early version; no longer relevant. 


References:

  1. https://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/types_of_lithium_ion#:~:text=Lithium%20Nickel%20Manganese%20Cobalt%20Oxide%20(LiNiMnCoO2)%20%E2%80%94%20NMC,Energy%20Cells%20or%20Power%20Cells.&text=The%20secret%20of%20NMC%20lies%20in%20combining%20nickel%20and%20manganese. ​​​​​​​

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