3. Lithium batteries

3.1 Different families of lithium batteries and operating principle

The current use of lithium (Li) in batteries for portable and on-board applications is due to the fact that it is the lightest metal currently known (with a density of 535 kg/m ³ ). In addition, as the Li ⁺ /Li oxidation-reduction couple has a high redox potential, lithium is proving to be an element of choice in the manufacture of accumulators, as it leads to cells with a high nominal voltage, ranging from approximately 2 to 4.5 V depending on the material combinations chosen.