Sustainable Battery Cells

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in manufacturing and developing sustainable batteries is a crucial step towards a more eco-friendly energy supply. At Nichicon, we understand the importance of sustainable development which is why we create eco-friendly LTO batteries for a green power solution.

What is a sustainable battery?

Sustainable batteries are batteries that are developed to leave as small of an environmental impact as possible. To develop sustainable, eco-friendly batteries, considerations must be made when it comes to the materials used, the operation of the battery, and end-of-life management, meaning the recycling or disposal of the battery.

Nichicon produces green batteries with an emphasis on sustainability. Our lithium-titanium-oxide (LTO) batteries differ from traditional lithium-ion batteries in that they use titanium as the anode active material instead of a carbon-based material like graphite. Lithium Ion Batteries present more of a risk to the environment when they fail.

In addition to the environmental advantages LTO batteries have a much longer charge and discharge cycle exceeding 25,000 compared to lithium ions which has a cycle life of about 1,000. Making LTO Batteries more environmentally friendly.

Our LTO batteries are an excellent green power solution because they are designed to withstand normal and unknown conditions as they can safely charge and discharge at temperatures as low as -30°C. In these extreme temperatures, the lithium titanate anode does not experience thermal runway, unlike standard lithium-ion batteries that may experience oxygen combustion reactions. Our batteries have also been tested for external short circuits, forced discharge, heat exposure, shocks, vibration, impacts, drops, crush, overcharge, and more. In these tests, our LTO batteries did not rupture, or burst into flames.

What are the Advantages of Nichicon LTO Batteries?

The idea behind Nichicon’s LTO batteries is to take the best characteristics of a lithium-ion battery and that of supercapacitors and combine them into a single, small cylindrical battery that can be used in a number of constrained space applications.

Our LTO batteries have the following advantages over typical lithium-ion batteries:

Rapid charging: Our LTO battery is a rechargeable battery with a higher charging current than typical lithium-ion batteries which allows them to charge faster and safer.
Micro-size: Our micro LTO battery is lightweight and leaves a small footprint, making it ideal for constrained space applications.
Long life: These batteries have a high cycle life with no significant capacity degradation observed in charge/discharge cycle tests. The use of lithium titanate in the anode helps ensure a longer life as they are less likely to be consumed by the electrolyte when forming the SEI.
Maintenance free: Our LTO batteries require no maintenance.
Sustainable: These batteries are designed to be environmentally Responsible and adhere to international standards such as RoHS regulations, meeting stringent standards for operation.
High power density: These high-power discharge batteries have a higher input/output density closer to that of super capacitors.
High safety: Our LTO batteries are safer and more reliable than typical lithium-ion batteries.
Low temperature: These low temperature batteries can operate in temperatures as low as -30℃ and they have an extremely low possibility of explosion or ignition.
High energy density: The higher energy density of our LTO batteries is similar to the density of capacitors.
High power discharge: These high discharge batteries can completely discharge quickly.
UL 1642 & IEC 62133-2 certified
ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 certified

What are the Application Areas of Nichicon LTO Batteries?

Lithium titanate oxide (LTO) batteries are used in many different applications because they last longer and are safer than other types of batteries like LCO, NMC, NCA, and LFP batteries. Our small cylindrical LTO batteries offer high performance for a number of applications. You can use our LTO batteries as a stand-alone power source or in combination with other batteries or power sources. Our LTO batteries are ideal for consumer devices, handheld scanners, data centers, military applications, smart metering, measuring equipment, and other applications that require more energy in a small size.

Common LTO battery applications include:

IIoT and IoT applications
Energy harvesting applications using intermittent ambient energy sources such as solar photovoltaic
Wireless sensors
Asset tracking applications
Space constrained applications

What is a Lithium Titanate Battery (LTO)?

The lithium titanate battery (LTO) shares many characteristics with the lithium-ion battery. One difference is the LTO anode. An LTO battery uses lithium titanate oxide, while a lithium-ion battery uses carbon. By using lithium titanate, the battery has a significant performance improvement.

How is placing the Nichicon SLB (LTO battery) on a PCB different than a Lithium Titanate or other battery?

The SLB is a battery with long leads, just like a standard capacitor. The leaded profile allows for soldering directly to the circuit board using hand soldering or a select solder technique. Lithium Titanate batteries require an additional mounting bracket or holder placed on a circuit board. The Nichicon SLB (LTO) take less board space allowing them to be used in very compact or densely populated circuit boards.

What is the difference between the Nichicon (SLB) LTO and Lithium Titanate batteries?

LTO batteries are safer; they have an extremely small risk of ignition if there is a short. The SLB, Nichicon’s LTO battery, has superior charge and discharge capabilities, such as a 20C charge rate. Even higher rates are possible with pulsed discharges, like those used in telecommunications.

What are the advantages of the Nichicon SLB series (LTO battery)?

‘The SLB can withstand up to 25,000 charge/discharge cycles and have a lower cold temperature rating than a lithium-ion battery. And its low internal resistance allows energy harvesters to charge with weak currents without loss. They will not ignite if a short occurs. In addition to the advantages previously mentioned, the SLB comes in aluminum electrolytic case styles and size.

What is the difference between LTO batteries and supercapacitors?

LTO batteries have higher capacity and less leakage current and can be discharged over longer periods of time than electric double-layer capacitors. Small rechargeable li-ion batteries have 20-30 times more energy than the same sized double-layer capacitor. Our LTO batteries can be used as a substitute for electric double-layer capacitors and provide power for longer periods of time.

What is the difference between LTO batteries and lithium-ion batteries?

LTO batteries excel in terms of charging and discharging speeds, enabling rapid energy transfer. Additionally, their extended lifespan outperforms that of standard lithium-ion batteries, ensuring prolonged usage and reliability. Safety is also a significant feature of LTO batteries, as they boast enhanced safety measures. Moreover, LTO batteries exhibit a higher power density, offering superior performance in terms of power output when compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.