Li-ion batteries are commonly used in cellphones, laptop computers and other mobile electronic devices.
Lithium-ion batteries are becoming more prevalent everyday because of they have a high energy density for their weight, and they don't suffer from the memory effect commonly associated with rechargeable batteries. However, even if they do not have a memory effect they will gradually lose some of their capacity. It is estimated that a lithium-ion battery in typical use will last between 2 and 3 years before its running time begins to drop noticeably. Although there is not much you can do to restore a worn-out lithium-ion battery, that does not mean it is time to throw it away.
Power Your Home
There are several projects, like the one sponsored by the Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Research Center at the University of California, looking for new uses for the Li-ion batteries that power electric vehicles. These large and expensive batteries have to be replaced when they reach 80 to 70 percent of their capacity, but researchers are looking for a way to repurpose them. One of the most promising uses is energy storage for alternate energy generators. A battery that is to weak to power an electric car may be more than appropriate to store the energy of a solar generator for nighttime use, for example.
Recycling
Chances are that you will be able to find a battery recycling program operating in your region. The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation is among the organizations that promote recycling of rechargeable batteries in the United States, collecting batteries from consumers and businesses and sending them to recycling organizations. Non-profit collection is important because of the low value of batteries as scrap metal: Processing 1 ton of batteries will yield roughly $100 in nickel and cobalt--the collection and recycling of batteries would not be a sustainable business without the assistance of volunteers, even if it makes good environmental sense.
Rebuilding
Lithium-ion battery packs have many electronic components besides the battery proper: Several sensors and micro-processors are required to monitor the state of the battery and regulate the recharging process. When a battery pack reaches its end-of-life, it can make economic sense to open the battery pack and replace the Li-ion cells while keeping the rest of the mechanism. Li-ion cells can often be ordered by part number, but only the tech-savvy should attempt the operation, which is likely to void the guarantee.
Tags: battery pack, battery that, Li-ion batteries, Li-ion cells, memory effect
