Browse technical resources about solar storage, BESS, microgrids, telecom power, off-grid systems, data centre UPS, and zero-carbon solutions.
To address the elephant in the room: yes, electric car batteries are recyclable, with some techniques allowing up to 95% of the raw materials to be recovered.
When dealing with ordinary combustion engined cars, the process of recycling and scrapping cars is simple and established, but the same isn't currently the case for expired electric car batteries. However, things are developing quickly and there are already solutions for recycling and reusing battery packs.
While traditional lead-acid batteries are widely recycled, the same can't be said for the lithium-ion versions used in electric cars. EV batteries are larger and heavier than those in regular cars and are made up of several hundred individual lithium-ion cells, all of which need dismantling.
Nissan, for example, is now reusing old batteries from its Leaf cars in the automated guided vehicles that deliver parts to workers in its factories. Volkswagen is doing the same, but has also recently opened its first recycling plant, in Salzgitter, Germany, and plans to recycle up to 3,600 battery systems per year during the pilot phase.
When an electric car battery's performance drops to 70% or less, its 'second life' revs into action. There's still residual life in the viable battery, so it can be hung in your garage or in the cupboard under the stairs as a static battery energy storage system, if you have a renewable energy source like solar panels.
Volkswagen has proposed using old EV batteries to power mobile recharging stations for electric cars, while an Indian-German startup announced in 2022 it plans to fit old batteries to electric rickshaws.
If your car's battery has reached the end of its life, get in touch with your local manufacturer's garage, who can help you recycle it and find a replacement. Ford offers repairs and replaces EV batteries they can't fix. They will then dispose of, recycle or reuse the battery.
Different ways to desulfate lead-acid batteriesUsing Epsom salt to Desulfate: Among the three methods, this one is particularly effective and reliable for desulfating batteries. The Chemical Method of Desulfating:.
Conclusions The desulphurization of lead pastes is the key process in recycling of lead–acid batteries. In this study, the thermodynamic constraints for three hydrometallurgical routes of desulphurization of lead pastes are presented.
In the hydrometallurgical recycling process for lead–acid batteries, there are three desulphurization processes of lead pastes with oxalate, carbonate, and alkaline solutions. The desulphurized lead products (i.e., lead oxalate, lead hydroxide, and lead carbonate) are then smelted to produce lead ingots.
The desulfurization of lead paste by regenerated alkali was as follows: (i) desulfurization was conducted by adding waste lead paste to a beaker containing a certain volume of regenerated NaOH solution and stirred. (ii) After the desulfurization reaction was complete, filter residue and filtrate were obtained by vacuum filtration.
NaOH was used as the direct desulfurizer for lead paste, and lime was used to regenerate NaOH from the mother liquid at sufficient concentrations for desulfurization.
Hence, based on the minimum specific gravity of industrial lead paste slurry, the concentration of desulfurizer required for sodium-calcium double alkali lead paste desulfurization was estimated to be at least 2.32 mol/L. 3.2. Mechanism of a novel process of lead paste pre-desulfurization
A novel approach to recover lead oxide from spent lead acid batteries by desulfurization and crystallization in sodium hydroxide solution after sulfation. Resour.
A battery regenerator is a device that restores capacity to lead-acid batteries, extending their effective lifespan. They are also known as desulphators, reconditioners or pulse conditioning devices.
Steps to Recondition a Lead-Acid Battery Safety First: Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from the corrosive acid. Remove the Battery: Take the battery out of the vehicle or equipment. Open the Cells: Remove the caps from the battery cells. Some batteries have screw-in caps, while others have rubber plugs.
Lead acid batteries can sometimes sustain damage that cannot be repaired through reconditioning. A common issue is sulfation, where lead sulfate crystals accumulate on the battery plates. Severe sulfation may reduce the battery's capacity beyond recovery, making replacement necessary.
Conventional lead–acid batteries consist of a number of plates of lead and lead dioxide suspended in a cell filled with weak sulfuric acid. Lead oxide reacts with the sulfur and oxygen in the acid to give up an electron, leaving the plate positively charged and producing lead sulfate.
Open the Cells: Remove the caps from the battery cells. Some batteries have screw-in caps, while others have rubber plugs. Drain Some Acid: Use a syringe or dropper to carefully remove some of the acid from each cell. Aim to reduce the acid level to about 50-60%. Add Epsom Salts: Add about 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts to each cell.
lead-acid battery. lead-acid batteries. management of their fleets. WHY MACBATEC IS THE BEST OPTION FOR BATTERY REGENERATION? The efficiency of our battery regenerator, the automation and our continuous technical support, allow us to offer the best battery economy and increased battery life span.
Reconditioning involves removing this buildup and restoring the electrolyte solution. The process includes cleaning the plates, adding distilled water and sulfuric acid, and fully recharging the battery. Reconditioning helps restore capacity and extend the battery's lifespan.
A lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) battery is a (LFP) that includes as a component. As of 2023, multiple companies are readying LMFP batteries for commercial use. Vendors claim that LMFP batteries can be competitive in cost with LFP, while achieving superior performance.
When purchasing a battery, you will see a series of numbers and letters in the name. These numbers and letters are the BCI group size of the battery. BCI stands for Battery Council International. This is a trade association that includes manufacturers, recyclers, distributor, and retailer organizations that supply original and after. First, each vehicle comes with a specific battery tray size, whether it's a car, truck, SUV, commercial vehicle, boat, recreational vehicle, or. BCI is the most common system used to classify battery group sizes. The following battery group size chart explains the most common BCI battery groups and their specifications. The BCI designationsinclude the group definition, dimensions, measurements, types, sizes, and other characteristics. The battery conversions chart can help you to cross-reference battery sizes, but it is also useful to understand the. When choosing a battery, it is important to use the ones that are recommended by the manufacturer for your make and model of the vehicle. The easiest way to find out what battery group you need is to measure your old battery or your.
[PDF Version]Reading battery specifications effectively is crucial for selecting the right battery for your needs. Key metrics include voltage rating, amp hours, cranking amps, and reserve capacity. Understanding these specifications ensures you choose a battery that meets your performance requirements while optimizing efficiency and longevity.
It is important to choose a battery that has a snug fit in the tray. Otherwise, the battery could move around and get damaged or damage the vehicle. Secondly, batteries have battery posts in different positions. Getting the wrong battery means that you might not be able to hook up the cables.
Battery specifications provide essential information about a battery's performance, capacity, and suitability for various applications. Whether you're selecting a battery for a vehicle, solar energy system, or cleaning equipment, understanding these specifications can help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Car battery numbers provide essential information such as group size, cold cranking amps (CCA), reserve capacity (RC), and ampere-hour (Ah) ratings. Group size refers to the battery's dimensions and terminal placement, while CCA measures the battery's ability to start in cold weather. Car batteries are vital to the functionality of your vehicle.
EN2 Test @ -18°C 10s to 7.5V, 10 seconds rest than 60% of current to 6V where time should be greater than 133s. The rating of the battery obviously varies subject to battery design, but for example a battery rated at 1000A according to EN1, could only be rated at 920A according to EN2.
Match Voltage Requirements: Always choose a battery with the correct voltage rating for your device. Consider Usage Patterns: Select a battery with an appropriate AH rating based on how long you need it to run. Check Environmental Conditions: Be aware of temperature extremes that may affect performance.
Therefore, each lithium battery must be equipped with a safety protection board, which is composed of a dedicated IC and several external components, which can effectively monitor and prevent damag.
The lithium battery protection board is a core component of the intelligent management system for lithium-ion batteries. Its main functions include overcharge protection, over-discharge protection, over-temperature protection, over-current protection, etc., to ensure the safe use of the battery and extend its service life.
Use special lithium battery protection chip, when the battery voltage reaches the upper limit or lower limit, the control switch device MOS tube cut off the charging circuit or discharging circuit, to achieve the purpose of protecting the battery pack. Characteristics: 1. Only over-charge and over-discharge protection can be realized.
Hardware-type protection board: Use special lithium battery protection chip, when the battery voltage reaches the upper limit or lower limit, the control switch device MOS tube cut off the charging circuit or discharging circuit, to achieve the purpose of protecting the battery pack. Characteristics: 1.
Prevent the battery from being damaged by excessive current. Important technical parameters of lithium battery protection boards include overcharge protection, over-discharge protection, over-current protection, short-circuit protection, temperature protection, internal resistance, power consumption, etc.
You can also obtain custom-built protection boards with your custom battery packs. This arrangement is ideal since the battery manufacturer will have a greater understanding of the protection needs of the custom pack that they design for the customer. So, the protection board would cater to these design requirements.
When the lithium battery is used in PACK, it is more likely to over-charge and over-discharge, which is caused by the consistency difference of the cell. If the charging and discharging process is not properly controlled, it will be further increased, resulting in the phenomenon of over-charging and over-discharging of part of the cell.
That depends what you are running from it, so a few equations are needed! 1. Firstly, all batteries are measured in Amps, so you need to know that 2. Now divide this by the number of Amps the device uses. Remember if you are running more than one appliance you'll have to add all the Amps u. If the caravan does not have either a consumer unit or a Zig unit, one must either be installed or see the instructions for getting electricity into a. There are 3 type of battery charger: 1. Trickle Chargers (Float Chargers) - A 12 volt battery will perform better if it is kept fully charged when not in use. A trickle charger is designed to be left on to top the battery up and will then. There are two types of battery: 1. Shallow-Cycle batteries (vehicle batteries) a. Which are designed to give large amounts of current, but only for short.
[PDF Version]Electrical appliances contain electric circuits and need to be connected to a power supply (batteries or mains electricity) to work. Electrical appliances and mains electricity can be dangerous. Mains electricity usually comes from power stations, some of which burn polluting fuels.
Batteries mainly provide backup power during a power outage. At home, the batteries are typically connected to electrical appliances so that the appliances can still receive power if the power goes down. For example, utilities can charge customers different rates at different times of the day.
If you want to just hook it up directly to a battery, it depends heavily on the device in question. If you don't mind something in between, use an inverter. Plug is the cord that exits the device to connect to the electrical outlet. No, you can't cut the plug off and use batteries.
Some appliances need electricity to work. Materials which can successfully complete an electric circuit are called electrical conductors and those which can not are called insulators. Insulating materials are used to protect us from the dangers of electricity.
If you don't mind something in between, use an inverter. Plug is the cord that exits the device to connect to the electrical outlet. No, you can't cut the plug off and use batteries. You mains power is AC (alternating current and voltage) and relatively high (120 or 230 V). Your battery is DC and low voltage.
When a battery is connected in a complete loop of conducting material such as electrical wires, tiny negative particles called electrons are pushed from the negative terminal of the battery towards the positive terminal, this is an electric current, the electrons flow around the circuit and through any components in their path.
BYD's LFP battery specific energy is 150 Wh/kg. The best NMC batteries exhibit specific energy values of over 300 Wh/kg. Notably, the specific energy of Panasonic's “2170” NCA batteries used in Tesla's 2020 Model 3 mid-size sedan is around 260 Wh/kg, which is 70% of its "pure chemicals" value. The lithium iron phosphate battery (LiFePO 4 battery) or LFP battery (lithium ferrophosphate) is a type of using (LiFePO 4) as the material, and a with. LiFePO 4 is a natural mineral known as. and first identified the polyanion class of cathode materials for. LiFePO 4 was then identified as a cathode material.
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries continue to dominate the battery storage arena in 2024 thanks to their high energy density, compact size, and long cycle life. You'll find these batteries in a wide range of applications, ranging from solar batteries for off-grid systems to long-range electric vehicles.
Lithium iron phosphate battery has a high performance rate and cycle stability, and the thermal management and safety mechanisms include a variety of cooling technologies and overcharge and overdischarge protection. It is widely used in electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, portable electronics, and grid-scale energy storage systems.
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries have emerged as one of the most promising energy storage solutions due to their high safety, long cycle life, and environmental friendliness.
Resource sharing is another important aspect of the lithium iron phosphate battery circular economy. Establishing a battery sharing platform to promote the sharing and reuse of batteries can improve the utilization rate of batteries and reduce the waste of resources.
Current collectors are vital in lithium iron phosphate batteries; they facilitate efficient current conduction and profoundly affect the overall performance of the battery. In the lithium iron phosphate battery system, copper and aluminum foils are used as collector materials for the negative and positive electrodes, respectively.
Lithium Iron Phosphate technology is that which allows the greatest number of charge / discharge cycles. That is why this technology is mainly adopted in stationary energy storage systems (self-consumption, Off-Grid, UPS, etc.) for applications requiring long life. The actual number of cycles that can be performed depends on several factors:
Investments in Solid State Batteries are boosting. Battery makers as well as automotive companies like Toyota, Nio, BMW, and Volkswagen, are investing in SSBs technology.
The solid-state battery industry features key players driving innovation and development in this technology. Toyota: Toyota invests heavily in solid-state batteries, targeting a production timeline for electric vehicles by 2025. The company focuses on improving battery efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Investments in Solid State Batteries are boosting. Battery makers as well as automotive companies like Toyota, Nio, BMW, and Volkswagen, are investing in SSBs technology. Moreover, Solid State Battery startups are also collecting funding to improve SSBs for different applications.
Samsung SDI: Invests heavily in research and development to bring solid state batteries to market, targeting applications in electronics and vehicles. Volkswagen: Collaborates with QuantumScape to innovate solid-state solutions, optimizing energy storage for future electric models.
Governments are investing heavily in solid-state battery technology, with initiatives like the U.S. Department of Energy committing over $20 million for research and the EU's European Battery Alliance pledging billions to enhance production capabilities. What are the recent breakthroughs in solid-state batteries?
The solid state battery market is poised for growth as companies work to overcome technical challenges. With increased investment and advancements in materials science, solid state batteries may soon play a crucial role in the next generation of energy storage solutions.
Home / 10 Leading Solid-State Battery Companies to Watch In 2025 Samsung captured the spotlight by announcing its groundbreaking solid-state battery technology at the InterBattery conference held on November 5, 2023, in Seoul, South Korea.
The basic concept is that when connecting in parallel, you add the amp hour ratings of the batteries together, but the voltage remains the same. For example: 1. two 6 volt 4.5 Ah batteries wired in parallel are capable of providing 6 volt 9 amp hours (4.5 Ah + 4.5 Ah). 2. four 1.2 volt 2,000 mAh wired in parallel can provide 1.2. This is the big “no go area”. The battery with the higher voltage will attempt to charge the battery with the lower voltage to create a balance in the. This is possible and won't cause any major issues, but it is important to note some potential issues: 1. Check your battery chemistries – Sealed Lead Acid batteries for example have different charge points than flooded lead acid units. This means that if recharging the two.
[PDF Version]To wire multiple batteries in parallel, connect the negative terminal (-) of one battery to the negative terminal (-) of another, and do the same to the positive terminals (+). For example, you can connect four Renogy 12V 200Ah Core Series LiFePO4 Batteries in parallel. In this system, the system voltage and current are calculated as follows:
When batteries are connected in parallel, the voltage across each battery remains the same. For instance, if two 6-volt batteries are connected in parallel, the total voltage across the batteries would still be 6 volts. Effects of Parallel Connections on Current
Capacity Calculation: The overall capacity of a battery bank wired in parallel is the sum of the individual battery capacities. For example, if you have four 100Ah batteries wired in parallel, the total capacity would be 400Ah. 3. Voltage Compatibility: When connecting batteries in parallel, their voltages should be identical.
In parallel connection, the positive terminal of one battery is connected to the positive terminal of another, and the negative terminal of one battery is connected to the negative terminal of another. This results in a combined battery bank with increased capacity. Advantages of Parallel Battery Configuration:
Connecting 12V batteries in series will increase the voltage of the battery bank while keeping the amp-hour capacity the same. Connecting 12V batteries in parallel will increase the amp-hour capacity of the battery bank while keeping the voltage the same.
In a series configuration, batteries are connected end-to-end, resulting in increased voltage while the capacity remains the same. On the other hand, parallel connections combine batteries side by side, maintaining the voltage but increasing the overall capacity. Does connecting batteries in series affect their lifespan?
Lithium-ion batteries can experience overvoltageand undervoltage effects. As noted in Figure 1, the operating voltage and temperature of the battery must be maintained at the point marked with the green box. If it is not, the cells can be damaged. To overcome the problems of overcharging, undercharging, and over-discharging, the battery cells should be subjected to a state of charge operation. The state of charge. Heat has been classified as one of the major battery life reducers. Both in excess or below the desired minimum limit is a battery killer. Therefore, Lithium-Ion cells should be subjected to a perfect temperature control. Some of the manufacturing defects include: 1. Local electrolyte drying 2. Mechanical component deformation 3. Uneven anode coating 4. Separator pore deformation or blockage 5. Current collector delamination 6. The non-uniform flow of current originating from localized defects occurring between the anode and separator surface also contributes to Lithium plating effects. Below are examples of.
[PDF Version]These articles explain the background of Lithium-ion battery systems, key issues concerning the types of failure, and some guidance on how to identify the cause(s) of the failures. Failure can occur for a number of external reasons including physical damage and exposure to external heat, which can lead to thermal runaway.
Volume 7, article number 35, (2024) Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are susceptible to mechanical failures that can occur at various scales, including particle, electrode and overall cell levels.
The FMMEA's most important contribution is the identification and organization of failure mechanisms and the models that can predict the onset of degradation or failure. As a result of the development of the lithium-ion battery FMMEA in this paper, improvements in battery failure mitigation can be developed and implemented.
Conclusions Lithium-ion batteries are complex systems that undergo many different degradation mechanisms, each of which individually and in combination can lead to performance degradation, failure and safety issues.
This capacity fade phenomenon is the result of various degradation mechanisms within the battery, such as chemical side reactions or loss of conductivity , . On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries also experience catastrophic failures that can occur suddenly.
This enables a physics-of-failure (PoF) approach to battery life prediction that takes into account life cycle conditions, multiple failure mechanisms, and their effects on battery health and safety. This paper presents an FMMEA of battery failure and describes how this process enables improved battery failure mitigation control strategies. 1.
How to discharge energy storage lead-acid battery?Step 1: Check the Battery Voltage Before discharging the battery, it is essential to check its voltage to ensure that it is fully charged. Step 2: Determine the Discharge Rate.
To prevent damage while discharging a lead acid battery, it is essential to adhere to recommended discharge levels, monitor the battery's temperature, maintain proper connections, and ensure consistent maintenance. Recommended discharge levels: Lead acid batteries should not be discharged below 50% of their total capacity.
By understanding and implementing these practices, users can effectively prevent damage while discharging a lead acid battery and ensure its reliable performance. Discharging a lead acid battery too deeply can reduce its lifespan. For best results, do not go below 50% depth of discharge (DOD).
Figure 4 : Chemical Action During Discharge When a lead-acid battery is discharged, the electrolyte divides into H 2 and SO 4 combine with some of the oxygen that is formed on the positive plate to produce water (H 2 O), and thereby reduces the amount of acid in the electrolyte.
For deep cycle lead acid batteries, charging after every discharge is important to extend their lifespan. Avoid letting the battery drop below 20% charge frequently, as this can also damage the battery. In summary, frequent charging at moderate discharge levels maintains the battery's performance and longevity.
Specific actions and conditions can contribute to the premature discharge of a lead acid battery. For example, frequent deep discharges, prolonged storage in a discharged state, or operation in extreme temperatures can exacerbate the sulfation process. Regular maintenance and following guidelines for discharge levels are vital.
Lead acid batteries have different chemical properties compared to lithium-ion or nickel-cadmium batteries. Mixing can lead to chemical reactions that compromise battery integrity and safety. The Battery Council International affirms that battery compatibility should always be checked before use.
Replacing lead-acid batteries with lithium batteries can be cost-effective12345. Although lithium batteries have a higher initial cost, their extended lifespan, greater efficiency, and reduced maintenance can lead to significant savings over time.
Lithium batteries offer a multitude of advantages over lead acid batteries, such as a longer battery life, lighter weight, higher efficiency, deeper depth of discharge, smaller size, maintenance-free operation, and more power.
If you are upgrading a home battery bank to lithium and you already have a modern charge controller, the process could be as simple as installing the new batteries and flipping a switch. If, however, you are replacing a lead acid/AGM battery with lithium in a vehicle or RV, then you must consider the capabilities of the alternator.
Lithium-ion batteries last longer than traditional lead-acid batteries. They can last up to three times longer. This means you won't need to replace them as often, saving money. These batteries also need less maintenance. This adds to the long-term savings. So, the total cost of owning a lithium-ion battery is lower over time.
Yes, you can swap lead-acid batteries with lithium-ion ones in many cases. But, you must check if the system fits the new battery's needs. This includes voltage, charging, and space. The right lithium battery, like LiFePO4 (LFP) or Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt (Li-NMC), ensures top performance and life.
Lead-acid batteries are generally less expensive upfront compared to lithium-ion batteries. For example, a typical lead-acid battery might cost around $100-$200 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) capacity. In contrast, a lithium-ion battery could range from $300 to $500 per kWh. Battery Capacity:
Lithium batteries are a lot more power dense than lead acid or AGM batteries, so this means that a replacement lithium-ion battery of the same capacity will be much smaller than a lead acid battery. So, buying or building a lithium-ion battery for a lead acid scooter is a relatively straightforward affair.
One of the most common types of batteries is lithium-ion. Due to this battery's lightweight and rechargeable nature, it is often used in laptops, smartwatches and mobile phones. However, lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous. When exposed to high temperatures, lithium-ion batteries have been known to overheat. Another common type of battery is Alkaline. These are used in small electronic devices and comes in many different shapes and sizes, including AAA and AA. There are no. Car batteries cannot be sent through our network – either within the UK or internationally. For a full list of restricted items, take a look at our. As standard, we provide £50 of contents cover on all parcels sent within the UK. However, if you are sending a higher value electrical item, for example, a laptop or mobile phone, we recommend taking out extended contents cover. Due to their hazardous nature, parcels containing batteries must be packaged carefully to avoid damage during transit. When sending a battery in the post there is different packaging advice depending on the type of battery you are.
[PDF Version]The answer is yes. However, because lithium batteries are potentially so dangerous, you need to follow strict rules. A good place to start if you're in the UK is the Royal Mail. Here's what they say about posting lithium batteries. You cannot send lithium batteries on their own through domestic or international post.
Power banks are classified as lithium batteries by Royal Mail. They can be sent in the mail subject to various packaging requirements - note that these rules are more strict than for batteries inside equipment (e.g. sending a mobile phone). But faulty lithium batteries are banned from the mail.
Here's what they say about posting lithium batteries. You cannot send lithium batteries on their own through domestic or international post. You can send lithium batteries in the UK or international post only when they're contained in a device (except in their Business Response, Freepost, Packetpost and Packetsort services).
Seal the boxes with parcel tape and affix lithium battery handling labels, if requested. It's easy to ship batteries with ParcelBroker but there are a few restrictions to remember: Lithium batteries must be contained within electrical equipment, like inside a laptop.
No damaged batteries can be shipped. Batteries must be packed and labelled correctly. Certain types of battery must be sent with a State of Charge (SoC) of no more than 30%. Even though there are restrictions, it is possible to ship lithium batteries as long as the regulatory guidelines are followed.
There may be an extra charge to send lithium batteries by air, as they have to be handled separately at the airport. You may only send a maximum of 2 lithium batteries (or 4 lithium cells) in one package. You must take all available precautions to stop the device overheating.
Key materials include lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, and graphite, often sourced from specific regions globally:Lithium: Predominantly mined in Australia and South America. Cobalt: Mainly sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nickel & Manganese: Mined in various countries including Indonesia and China.
1. Extraction and preparation of raw materials The first step in the manufacturing of lithium batteries is extracting the raw materials. Lithium-ion batteries use raw materials to produce components critical for the battery to function properly.
The materials used in these batteries determine how lightweight, efficient, durable, and reliable they will be. A lithium-ion battery typically consists of a cathode made from an oxide or salt (like phosphate) containing lithium ions, an electrolyte (a solution containing soluble lithium salts), and a negative electrode (often graphite).
This element serves as the active material in the battery's electrodes, enabling the movement of ions to produce electrical energy. What metals makeup lithium batteries? Lithium batteries primarily consist of lithium, commonly paired with other metals such as cobalt, manganese, nickel, and iron in various combinations to form the cathode and anode.
Lithium-ion batteries are electromechanical rechargeable batteries, widely used to power vehicles or portable electronics. These batteries contain an electrolyte made of lithium salt along with electrodes. The lithium ions pass through the electrolyte from the anode to the cathode to make the battery work.
Lithium may be the key component in most modern batteries, but it doesn't make up the bulk of the material used in them. Instead, much of the material is in the electrodes, where the lithium gets stored when the battery isn't charging or discharging.
So one way to make lighter and more compact lithium-ion batteries is to find electrode materials that can store more lithium. That's one of the reasons that recent generations of batteries are starting to incorporate silicon into the electrode materials. There are materials that can store even more lithium than silicon; a notable example is sulfur.