How to maintain lithium-ion batteries effectively and reasonably?

Lithium batteries have become increasingly popular and are used in a wide variety of electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops and electric vehicles. These batteries have many advantages such as high energy density, light weight, and longer lifetime compared to conventional batteries. However, to ensure optimum performance and longevity, it is important to maintain Li-ion batteries effectively and rationally.
First and foremost, proper storage of lithium batteries is critical. When not in use, these batteries should be stored in a cool and dry place. Extreme temperatures can negatively affect a battery's capacity and lifespan. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid exposing the battery to extreme heat or cold. In addition, it is imperative to ensure that the charge level of the battery is above 20% before long-term storage. Storing a lithium battery with a low charge can cause permanent damage and a loss of overall capacity.
Another critical aspect of maintaining Li-ion batteries is avoiding overcharging or deep discharging. Overcharging a lithium battery can cause excessive heating, which can cause internal damage and reduce the battery's performance. On the other hand, deeply discharging a lithium battery below a certain voltage level can cause irreversible damage. Therefore, it is recommended to charge the battery before it reaches a critically low level, and to avoid leaving it on the charger after it is fully charged.
Also, it is important to use a charger designed specifically for the lithium battery being used. Different lithium batteries have different voltage and current requirements, and using an incompatible charger can result in overcharging or undercharging, both of which can damage the battery. Therefore, it is recommended to use the charger provided by the manufacturer or a charger compatible with the battery specification.
Regularly calibrating your battery is another effective way to maintain its performance. Calibration involves fully charging the battery and then discharging it until the device shuts down due to low battery. Afterwards, the battery should be charged back to full capacity without interruption. This process helps recalibrate the battery's fuel gauge and ensures accurate battery level readings.
In addition to these maintenance measures, it is recommended to periodically clean the battery contacts with a soft cloth or cotton swab. Dust, dirt or moisture on the battery contacts can prevent effective charging and cause the battery to drain more quickly. Also, it is important to avoid exposing lithium batteries to water or other liquids, as this can lead to damage and corrosion.
Finally, keeping your device's firmware and software updated is critical. Regularly updating your device's firmware and software can often include battery optimizations and improvements, which can help improve battery performance and efficiency.
In conclusion, lithium batteries have many advantages over conventional batteries, but they require proper maintenance for optimal performance and longevity. Properly storing batteries, avoiding overcharging or deep discharging, using compatible chargers, calibrating batteries, cleaning contacts, and keeping device firmware updated are all important aspects of effective and proper maintenance of Li-ion batteries. Following these guidelines will help ensure your lithium battery continues to perform at its best and last a long time.