Lithium Selenide Uses

Formation

• Lithium selenide is often formed using the Czochralski process -- a method of forming crystals using a metal rod known as a puller rod. A seed crystal of the desired material is placed on the bottom of the puller rod, which is then immersed in a solution containing the same material. Lithium selenide in this form is not fit for use in batteries until further processing, as the crystals formed this way contain external contaminants.

Large Quantity Formation

• For larger quantities of Lithium selenide, a process known as flux growth and gradient freeze is used. Additionally, the compound can be formed using directional solidification of fluorites. These two methods produce compounds that also require further processing and purification. Once the compound meets purity standards, it is added as a cathode for non-aqueous lithium batteries.

Non-Aqueous Lithium Batteries

• Non-aqueous lithium batteries, also known as lithium metal-air batteries, electrochemically couple lithium selenide with a gas -- usually oxygen. This oxygen is not stored in the battery, but absorbed from the atmosphere surrounding the battery. Many varieties of metal-air batteries exist, though lithium metal-air batteries are most effective. These batteries hold their charge longer and produce a higher amount of energy.

Lithium and Li-Ion

• Lithium selenide can also be used in lithium-ion batteries, or Li-Ion, which differ from other lithium batteries because they can be recharged. Lithium batteries made with Li2Se are often used as replacements for nickel-cadmium batteries. Lithium batteries deliver more charge, which means less battery cells can be used. Lithium-ion batteries also replace nickel-cadmium batteries, as Li-Ion batteries hold a charge far longer. Li-Ion batteries also eliminate the "memory effect" of NiCad batteries, where the battery does not fully charge if recharged before the battery dies.