- General Inquiry
Phosphate-based batteries offer a superior chemical and mechanical structure that does not overheat to dangerous levels.
They therefore offer increased safety compared to lithium-ion batteries made with other cathode materials. This is because the charged and uncharged states of LiFePO4 are physically similar and very robust, allowing the ions to remain stable during the oxygen flux that occurs along with charging cycles or possible malfunctions.
Overall, the phosphate-iron oxide bond is stronger than the oxide-cobalt bond, so when the battery is overcharged or subjected to physical damage, the phosphate-oxide bond remains structurally stable; whereas in other lithium chemicals, the bonds begin to break and release excessive heat, eventually causing thermal runaway. Lithium phosphate batteries are non-combustible, which is an important feature if mishandled during charging or discharging. They can also withstand harsh conditions, from freezing cold to searing heat to rough terrain.
When subjected to dangerous events, such as a collision or short circuit, they won't explode or catch fire, greatly reducing the risk of damage. If you choose a lithium battery and plan to use it in hazardous or unstable environments, LiFePO4 is probably your best choice.
It's also worth mentioning that LiFePO4 batteries are non-toxic, non-contaminating and contain no rare earth metals, making them an environmentally friendly choice.
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