Lithium ion battery research and development: the Nigerian potential

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) are growing in popularity as energy storage devices. Handheld, portable electronic devices use LiBs based on Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO2) which in spite of its attendant safety risks offers high energy density. Other types of LiBsbased on Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), Lithium-ion manganese oxide (LiMn2O4, Li2MnO3, or LMO), and Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LiNiMnCoO2 or NMC) have better safety issues with lower energy density. These batteries which are rechargeable are used in cell phones, laptops and tablets, electric and hybrid cars (EV), grid storage, cordless power tools, medical equipment, and other high-tech devices. Nigeria, with a population above two hundred million, is a big market for lithium-ion batteries. The mineral ore for the cathode of lithium-ion batteries is available in Kogi, Nasarawa, Ekiti, Kwara, Cross River, Oyo, and the Plateau States. These include amblygonite(Li,Na)AlPO4(F,OH), Lithium Sodium Aluminum Phosphate Fluoride Hydroxide and lepidolite (K(Li,Al)3(Al,Si, Rb)4O10(F,OH)2, Potassium lithium aluminum silicate hydroxide fluoride, spodumene: (LiAl(SiO3)2 Lithium Aluminum Silicate, petalite: (LiAl(Si2O5)2 aluminum hydroxy-[hydroxy(oxo)silyl]oxy- oxosilane; lithium), and graphite which is used as the anode material is available in Kaduna and the Adamawa States. In view of these available resources, the Projects Development Institute (PRODA) Enugu, a Science and Engineering based Research Institute under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology has pioneered battery research and development with a particular focus on Lithium-ion batteries. It is expected in the long run that lithium-ion batteries would be produced locally for rechargeable lanterns in view of the country’s energy deficit. This would spring up small and medium enterprises that would drive the economy by the beneficiation and refining of the content of the raw material which is available in the country and thus creating wealth for our citizenry.