The shelf life of a lithium-ion cell/battery is the amount of time it can sit on a shelf without being used before its performance deteriorates. This can happen due to several factors, including self-discharge, chemical reactions within the battery, and exposure to high temperatures.
Self-Discharge:
All batteries, including lithium-ion batteries, slowly lose their charge over time, even if they are not being used. This is known as self-discharge. Lithium-ion batteries have a low self-discharge rate, which means they can be stored for several months without losing too much of their charge.
Chemical Reactions:
Over time, the chemicals inside a lithium-ion battery can start to break down, which can affect its performance. For example, the electrolyte inside the battery can degrade, reducing the battery's capacity and overall performance. This is more likely to happen if the battery is stored for a long time without being used.
Temperature:
The temperature at which a lithium-ion battery is stored can also affect its shelf life. If a battery is stored at high temperatures, the chemicals inside it can break down more quickly, reducing the battery's performance. On the other hand, storing a battery at very low temperatures can also affect its performance, as the chemicals inside it can become less active.
So, how long can you store a lithium-ion battery before its performance deteriorates? The answer depends on several factors, including the battery's chemistry, the temperature at which it is stored, and the level of charge it has when it is stored.
Generally speaking, a lithium-ion battery can be stored for between six months and two years before its performance starts to deteriorate significantly. However, this is just a general guideline, and the actual shelf life of a lithium-ion battery can vary depending on many factors.
To extend the shelf life of a lithium-ion battery, it is important to store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and other heat sources. It is also a good idea to store the battery at around 50% charge, as storing it at full charge or zero charge can also affect its performance.