Recent developments and future prospects for lithium rechargeable batteries

Possible future developments of lithium rechargeable batteries are discussed. Lithium ion liquid electrolyte batteries are now well established, with energy densities: of up to around 150 Wh kg(-1) There an prospects of increases in the energy density to perhaps 200-250 Wh kg(-1) by using new cathode materials (lithium nickel cobalt oxide) and light weight construction. High power cells make it possible for these batteries to find new uses, e.g. in military applications. Some new materials could reduce the cost, which might make lithium rechargeable batteries economic for electric vehicles.