The Beginning (1960s – 1990s)
Late 1960s: Michel Armand & Ion Intercalation
The story of lithium-ion batteries begins in the late 1960s, when scientists first explored a phenomenon known as ion intercalation. This fancy term basically means the ability to slip lithium ions into the layers of a material without damaging it, a bit like when you slide a card into a deck without bending or tearing any of the cards.
French scientist Michel Armand led the development of this key principle. He demonstrated how it could be applied to create rechargeable batteries, such as the Teconnex Power Advanced 100 and Advanced 100 Midi.
1970s: Whittingham’s Lithium Battery Prototype
Then, during the oil crisis in the early 70s, chemist Stanley Whittingham decided he wanted to try to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. His goal was to create a powerful rechargeable battery for the new wave of electronics that were coming into play around this time. Pocket calculators, digital watches, cassette recorders, and handheld radios were all on the rise, and needed a smaller, lighter, and longer-lasting power source.
In 1976, Whittingham designed a battery that used metallic lithium for one side (the anode) and titanium disulfide for the other (the cathode). This was a huge step forward towards the first working lithium-ion battery.
However, metallic lithium can be unstable. If lithium builds up unevenly inside the battery, it can form tiny metal “branches” called dendrites. Over time, these sharp branches can poke through the divider, keeping the battery’s two sides separate. If that happens, it can cause a short circuit, reduce the battery’s life, or start a fire. Therefore, Whittingham’s design was deemed unsafe for widespread commercial use.
1980: Goodenough’s Lithium Cobalt Oxide Cathode
In 1980, at the University of Texas, John B. Goodenough and his team made a major breakthrough in battery technology. They discovered that using lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂) as the cathode material resulted in a battery that could store much more energy and was far more stable.
1986: Yoshino’s First Commercially Viable Lithium-Ion Battery
Akira Yoshino of Asahi Kasei Corporation, a Japanese chemical company, built upon this work in 1986, creating the very first commercially viable lithium-ion battery. Rather than using metallic lithium, Yoshino used petroleum coke, or petcoke. Petcoke is a solid, coal-like material made of carbon. He found that using a carbon-based anode removed the risk of dangerous dendrite growth that had caused issues with early designs.
1991: Sony Brings Lithium-Ion to the World
In 1991, Sony commercialised Yoshino’s design, ushering in the age of portable power. These lightweight, high-capacity batteries quickly became the standard in camcorders, laptops, and mobile phones. It was largely due to Yoshino’s battery (guided by Goodenough, Whittingham, and Armand) that consumer electronics completely exploded in the 1990s.
The Development
From the 1990s and through the early 2000s, lithium-ion technology came on in leaps and bounds. Researchers experimented with various new materials to improve safety, lifespan, and stability.
One of the most important breakthroughs was the creation of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries.
LiFePO₄ batteries are more stable, safer, and have a longer cycle life than alternative batteries, like lead-acid. This makes them ideal for leisure applications, such as motorhomes, campervans, and off-grid power systems. They provide consistent power output, can be deeply discharged without damage, and deliver reliable performance for years to come.
The Future
Today, lithium-ion batteries are at the heart of the global shift to renewable energy. They can store power from wind and solar, drive electric vehicles, and are constantly getting smaller, more efficient, and more powerful.
At Teconnex Power, we believe lithium-ion technology is a real game-changer and key to a cleaner energy future. We’re proud to be part of something so exciting, and we’d love for you to join us, too!
Explore the Teconnex Power Advanced 100 & Advanced 100 Midi today