With so much in advances in technology why have we not been able to make batteries that retain the maximum capacity. Is it theoretically possible in future? Given global shift towards clean energy, wouldn’t in time of century or so there would be massive ‘Battery graveyards’.
In: Technology
Due to lack of comments so far, here is my amateur understanding.
Li-ion, and almost all other rechargeable batteries, use chemical processes to store charged molecules in the battery liquid. When a current runs through it the molecules discharge and become neutral. When you charge a rechargeable battery, this process is reversed. However, no chemical process is 100% reversable. Therefore, all batteries based of this interaction, which all commercial batteries are, will always lose capacity over time.
Because the material in the degrades over time. To minimize this, you also should only store them at I believe 60% capacity when you know you don’t need them. When kept fully charged they will lose capacity faster.
But when you compare them to let’s say a gel, AGM or car battery, you can use 80% capacity of a lithium battery but only 50% of the AGM or car battery. The lithium ones are also lighter, so overall they have a higher usable capacity with lighter weight.
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