6
FAQ
FAQ
What
“wears
out”
in
Lithium
‐
ion
batteries?
As
lithium
iron
phosphate
cells
cycle,
the
charge
is
carried
between
the
anode
and
cathode
using
lithium
ions.
As
the
pack
cycles
a
very
small
percentage
of
the
mobile
lithium
ions
are
caught
in
irreversible
side
reactions.
This
reduces
the
amount
of
charge
transfer
possible
between
the
electrodes.
In
lead
‐
acid
this
is
somewhat
analogous
to
sulfation,
where
the
sulfur
becomes
locked
in
stable
lead
sulfite
crystals
and
can
no
longer
intercalate
into
the
lead
plates.
Sulfation
is
worse
however
as
it
occurs
during
use
and
during
storage,
the
crystals
can
grow
and
crack
the
plates,
and
block
electrolyte
access
to
the
plates.
What
is
the
electrolyte
in
these
batteries?
Flux
lithium
batteries
use
an
electrolytic
salt
dissolved
in
organic
solvents.
What
is
the
specific
gravity
of
Flux
lithium
batteries?
Specific
gravity
is
not
relevant
for
lithium
batteries.
Generally,
specific
gravity
is
used
to
measure
the
density
of
lead
‐
acid
electrolyte
against
water.
Lithium
batteries
are
sealed
and
maintenance
free,
so
there
is
no
way
to
measure
the
electrolyte
and
no
water
is
used.
What
are
the
positive
and
negative
active
materials?
The
cathode
(positive
electrode)
is
lithium
iron
phosphate
with
a
copper
charge
collector,
and
the
anode
(negative
electrode)
is
graphite
with
intercalated
metallic
lithium,
and
an
aluminum
charge
collector.
What
does
Intercalate
mean?
Intercalation
is
the
insertion
of
lithium
ions
into
the
anode
and
cathode
material.
What
are
the
chemical
reactions
occurring
within
a
Flux
lithium
battery?
When
the
battery
charges,
the
lithium
ions
are
in
the
carbon/graphite
anode,
and
when
discharging
the
lithium
ions
move
to
the
cathode.
The
chemical
reactions
are
as
follows:
•
Charge
:
LixC6
=
6C
+
xLi
+
xe
•
Discharge
:
Li(1
‐
x)FePO4
+
xLi+
xe
=
LiFePO
4
Does
the
lithium
battery
pack
have
a
positive
and
negative
grid
like
lead
‐
acid
batteries?
Lead
‐
acid
uses
a
lead
plate,
and
a
lead
dioxide
paste
that
must
be
supported
by
a
structural
grid
as
their
anode
and
cathode.
Flux
lithium
batteries
have
an
anode
and
cathode,
but
no
grid
is
used
as
there
is
no
lead
dioxide
paste.
SHIPPING
&
RECYCLING
What
do
I
need
to
know
to
ship
a
LiFT
Pack?
Similar
to
lead
‐
acid,
there
are
packaging
instructions
which
must
be
followed
when
shipping.
A
LiFT
Pack
must
be
shipped
in
accordance
with
UN3480,
Hazard
Class
9,
packaging
group
II,
instruction
965.
If
the
pack
is
shipped
in
equipment,
use
packaging
instructions
967.
If
you
need
further
assistance
please
contact
your
FLUX
Power
representative.
