Illustration: Major chemistries are different compromises between energy, power, lifetime, safety, and cost.
Chemistry is a design choice
No single chemistry is best everywhere. A grid battery may value long cycle life and safety, while a drone may prioritize energy per kilogram.
Cathode families
LCO, LFP, NMC, NCA, and LMO are common cathode families. Each changes the voltage, crystal structure, thermal behavior, and raw material profile.
Anode alternatives
Most lithium-ion cells use graphite-dominant anodes. LTO sacrifices energy for durability and fast charging. Silicon-rich and lithium-metal anodes aim to increase capacity.
Chemistry comparison
| Chemistry | Strengths | Trade-offs | Common uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCO | High energy for small cells | Cost and thermal limits | Phones, laptops |
| LFP | Long life, safety, lower cost | Lower energy density | EVs, buses, stationary storage |
| NMC | Balanced energy and power | Needs careful thermal and supply-chain management | EVs, tools, storage |
| NCA | High specific energy | More demanding safety controls | Long-range EV packs |
| LTO | Fast charging and long cycle life | Lower voltage and energy density | High-power and long-life systems |