Some Tips on How to Maintain Li-ion Batteries

1. Charge li-ion battery no more than 12 hours for the first time. When we buy electronic products powered by battery, sellers always tell us that first charge time for lithium battery should reach 12 hours. Actually, this opinion is not right. Unlike Ni-CD or nickle metal hydride batteries, lithium batteries are activated before delivery Also its self-discharge is slow; thus it's unnecessary to first charge time on li-ion battery can not be that long. Lithium battery could reach to best status after experiencing 3 or 5 cycles.

2. Do not use poor-quality charger. Many friends care their electronic devices very much, but often ignore the maintenance of lithium ion battery. In terms of battery charger, original charger is the best choice; some quality charger with famous brands may be used. Lithium battery charger of poor quality would cause shorter cycles. Some may even causes explosion or fire.

3. Do not often overcharge battery. Frequent overcharge will  deteriorate battery under high temperature. Yet full charge is enough, or lithium ion battery will damage in case that no overcharge protection function exists.

4. Avoid contacting metal. Keep lithium ion battery's contact clean, and do not let battery contact touch metal; otherwise short circuit may occur;

5. Do not often use battery in high or low temperature environment. Li-ion batteries have own proper work and storage temperature, Long-time work under high or low temperature will affects lifetime of lithium battery pack.

6. Often use or charge battery. If electric device or lithium ion battery unused over three months, we should recharge battery regularly before storage (often 30-70% remaining capacity).

7. Do not use full-charged lithium battery. Temperature might be very high after battery charge, if use at once, device internal temperature  will rise soon, which could affect electronics component.

Reference: http://largebattery.livejournal.com/880.html