What is a lithium ion battery?

A lithium-ion battery contains one or more lithium cells that are electrically connected. Like all batteries, lithium battery cells contain a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, and an electrolyte solution.

What are the OSHA standards for lithium-ion batteries?

While there is not a specific OSHA standard for lithium-ion batteries, many of the OSHA general industry standards may apply, as well as the General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970). These include, but are not limited to the following standards:

Are lithium ion batteries dangerous?

Lithium-ion batteries contain various components that present different chemical hazards to workers, such as lammability, toxicity, corrosivity, and reactivity hazards. These chemicals may enter the workplace as raw materials or recycled materials.

Are lithium ion batteries flammable?

Some of these electrolytes are flammable liquids and requirements within OSHA’s Process Safety Management standard may apply to quantities exceeding 10,000 lb. Many of the chemicals used in lithium-ion battery manufacturing have been introduced relatively recently.

What is the best cathode material for a lithium battery?

The choice of cathode material depends on the desired characteristic of the battery. These materials can include lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO 2), lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O 4), lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LiNiMnCoO 2), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (LiNiCoAlO 2), or lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO 4).

How do lithium cells store and release power?

Lithium cells store and release power by converting chemical potential energy into electrical energy using lithium ions or lithium metal. Electrolyte solutions allow ions to flow freely between the electrodes. There are several types of lithium cells, including cylindrical cells, prismatic pouch cells, and prismatic metal can cells.