Advantages and Special Characteristics of Lithium Thionyl ...

12 Aug.,2024

 

Advantages and Special Characteristics of Lithium Thionyl ...

Lithium thionyl chloride batteries (Li/SOCl&#;) belong to the lithium primary cell family. Unlike lithium ion or lithium polymer batteries, these cells cannot be recharged once they have been discharged. However, due to their long lifetime, this characteristic is of little importance in everyday use. In fact, lithium thionyl chloride batteries supply power to applications for several months or even years before they need to be replaced.

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Li/SOCl&#; batteries have been an integral part of Jauch&#;s battery portfolio for many years. This year, the portfolio expanded to include batteries from Jauch&#;s own brand. The most important properties of this cell chemistry are briefly presented below.

High Voltage &#; High Safety

Lithium primary cells, which also include lithium iron sulfide or lithium manganese dioxide batteries, usually have a cell voltage between 1.5 volts and 3 volts. However, the cell voltage of a lithium thionyl chloride battery is significantly higher than these values: with a voltage of 3.6 volts. At this value, the battery performs to the level of lithium ion batteries. This voltage level is kept constant by the battery over almost the entire discharge period &#; an absolute unique selling point of lithium thionyl chloride cell chemistry.

In terms of energy density, Li/SOCl&#; batteries are also superior to all other primary cells. Values up to 710 watt hours/kilogram are possible.

Constant voltage: Li/SOCl&#; batteries deliver a constant voltage of 3.6 volts until almost complete discharge.

Low Currents &#; Wide Temperature Range

Lithium thionyl chloride batteries are used wherever low currents are required over a long period of time. Typical applications are for example locking cylinders, timers, toll systems or all kinds of metering applications. The high energy density of the thionyl chloride cells ensures that these applications can be operated for several months or even years without having to replace the battery.

Lithium thionyl chloride batteries are designed for use in a temperature range between -60 and +85 degrees Celsius. Particularly noteworthy is the performance of the cells at low temperatures. Even at double-digit minus temperatures, the cells deliver a constantly high voltage.

Temperature: Li/SOCl&#; batteries from Jauch reliably deliver high voltages even at double-digit sub-zero temperatures.

Passivation of the Battery

Lithium thionyl chloride batteries are very durable and have a very good shelf life. The self-discharge rate of only 1% per year speaks for itself.

The longevity of lithium thionyl chloride batteries is due to the chemistry of the cell. Unlike other lithium primary cells, the lithium thionyl chloride cell undergoes a chemical reaction between the lithium anode and the electrolyte. As a result, a protective film forms over the lithium anode, which impedes the ion flow between the anode and cathode. This is referred to as &#;passivation&#; of the battery cell. 

This phenomenon has advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, passivation is responsible for the low self-discharge rate of the battery. On the other hand, the resulting protective film initially impedes the current flow when the battery is put into operation. The protective film gradually fades away as the battery continues to operate. However, it forms again as soon as the battery stops drawing current. For this reason, lithium thionyl chloride batteries are particularly suitable for applications with low power consumption. The power requirement of the application can be constant or pulse-shaped. 

The Bobbin-Type Cell Construction

Lithium thionyl chloride batteries are available in numerous sizes and designs. No matter what variation your application requires, the core properties: high voltage, high energy density and long life, stay the same.

The &#;Bobbin-type&#; construction has established itself as the most frequently used cell construction method. This design, which is also used in the cells of Jauch&#;s thionyl chloride batteries, is characterized by a high level of safety and a long service life. These batteries deliver currents of up to two Amperes. 

Jauch&#;s portfolio of Lithium thionyl chloride batteries.

Jauch&#;s battery portfolio includes various Li/SOCl&#; batteries. An overview of the entire Jauch portfolio of lithium thionyl chloride batteries can be found here.

Our battery experts will be happy to advise you on which of these cells is best suited for your application. Equipped with the expertise from countless successfully completed projects, our experts will also find the perfect solution for your requirement profile and will advise you on request directly at your site.

You already know what you need? Then order your samples here!

What is the difference between Li-ion and Li SOCl2?

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In the realm of rechargeable batteries, Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries and Lithium-thionyl chloride (Li-SOCl&#;) cells are exceptional because of their distinct properties and uses. Nevertheless, these two mainly depend on lithium as their major constituent but they have different chemistry, performance, safety considerations and industries. It is imperative to note that knowing these differences is very important when selecting the right kind of battery technology for a given purpose.

Chemistry

Li ion Batteries

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Lithium-ion batteries have two electrodes: Li-based anode and a cathode consisting of materials including cobalt oxide, nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC), or lithium iron phosphate (LFP). An organic solvent often dissolves lithium salt acting as electrolyte which allows movement of lithium ions through electrodes. During discharge, energy release occurs as lithium ions move towards cathodes from anodes across the electrolyte.

Li SOCl&#; Batteries

On the other hand, lithium serves as anodic material whereas thionyl chloride (SOCl&#;) is used as cathode material in lithium-thionyl chloride batteries. The commonest form of electrolyte in these cells is LiAlCl&#; dissolved in SOCl&#;. Such a chemistry provides high energy density and relatively stable discharge voltage hence making them ideal for applications requiring long shelf life and high energy output.

Performance

Energy Density

While Li-ion batteries are known for their high energy densities resulting in longer runtimes for portable electronics and electric vehicles alike; Li-SOCL2 batteries can provide even higher energy densities so that they can be deployed effectively where space is scarcer and peak power output matters most.

Voltage And Discharge Characteristics

Normally, this type of batteries has a nominal voltage range of 3.6-3.7V with flat discharge curves up to end-of-life cycles. Conversely, Li-SOCL2&#;s initial operational voltage is around 3.6V which gradually decreases during discharge. Consequently, Li-SOCL2 cells are suitable for applications requiring precise voltage regulation or long shelf life.

Safety

Li ion Batteries

Li-ion batteries have come under scrutiny as far as safety is concerned particularly in relation to thermal runaway and fire hazards due to the use of organic solvents that can easily catch fire at low ignition temperature. However, there has been a significant improvement in the safety of modern Li-ion batteries owing to several factors such as advancements in battery management systems, cell design and electrolyte formulations.

Li SOCl&#; Batteries

In contrast, non-flammability of electrolyte makes Li-SOCl&#; batteries generally safer than Li-ion batteries although they need special precautions while handling and storing them since they consist of toxic and corrosive materials.

Applications

Li-ion Batteries

The ubiquitous use of lithium ion batteries ranges from portable electronics like mobile phones and laptops to electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems. Due to their high energy densities, relatively low self-discharge rates, long cycle lives but many consumer and industrial applications prefer them.

Li-SOCl&#; Batteries

Although less common compared to most other types of rechargeable batteries, Li&#;SOCL2 batteries find niche applications where high energy density, extremely long shelf life and/or accurate voltage control are critical. Prominent examples include military & aerospace equipment; emergency locator beacons; medical devices such as Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICDs).

Conclusion

To conclude, lithium-ion and lithium-sulfur oxychloride batteries vary greatly chemically in performance, safety aspects and applications. Lithium ion batteries are commonly used due to their dense power and flexibility while the Li-SOCl2 batteries have distinctive strengths such as energy density, stability of voltage and a safer choice for select niche applications. The selection of battery technology should consider the unique needs of an application including energy requirements, size limits, safety issues, and cost implications.

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