The relationship between lithium battery, lithium ion battery, and lithium polymer battery
The relationship between lithium battery, lithium ion battery, and lithium polymer battery
July 7, 2023
The introduction of lithium batteries is one of the most crucial steps in the progression of battery technology. Lithium battery offers the prospect of replacing large bulky, leaky lead-acid battery with compacted Li-ion battery systems with considerably better capacity.
The lithium-ion battery industry has dominated over traditional options, for example, lead-acid batteries. Lithium battery technology is so popular that several types of lithium batteries are accessible on the market for all needs and applications.
In this blog, we will discuss the relationship between lithium battery, lithium-ion battery, and lithium polymer battery.
Is a lithium-ion battery the same as a lithium-polymer battery?
No, a lithium-ion battery and a lithium-polymer battery are not the same. While both are rechargeable batteries that use lithium as their primary material, they differ in terms of their electrolyte and packaging. There are many differences among these two kinds of batteries. These differences are discussed below.
Energy Density
This is the utmost difference among these two batteries. Energy density is the charge that a battery can store per its weight. Lithium-ion batteries are great since they have a perfect energy density, which means they can store vast amounts of power. While lithium polymer batteries have a significantly lower energy density as compared to the lithium-ion batteries
Weight and Structure
Lithium polymer batteries are better in the field of the structure of the batteries. They are lightweight, & their cover is soft. Another factor is that these batteries can be made in a low-profile style. It raises their cost. Lithium-ion batteries are typically bigger & harder.
Cost
Cost is another factor that sets these two different kinds of batteries apart. It is a fascinating fact that although lithium-ion batteries have a battery energy density, they are still cheaper. The lithium polymer batteries are typically 30% more costly than lithium-ion batteries.
Security Features
The security of a battery is a primary concern for several producers & consumers. Lithium-ion batteries have a tendency to explode under unfavorable conditions due to the close interaction between the two different materials used in these batteries. The electrolyte of lithium polymer batteries is less susceptible to leakage than that of lithium-ion batteries, so they offer better safety.
Lifespan
Lithium-ion lifespan is moderately more extended than lithium polymer batteries. And there is no memory effect in the lithium-ion batteries also. But lithium-ion batteries drop their storage capacity with time.?
What is the difference between lithium-ion, lithium-polymer & lithium-ion phosphate batteries?
A lithium-ion polymer battery is a rechargeable battery that mainly works on the travel of lithium ions among positive electrodes & negative electrodes. Lithium-ion battery uses lithium mix as an electrode material. Presently, the customarily used cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries are lithium manganate or LMO battery, lithium cobalt oxide or LCO battery, lithium iron phosphate or LiFePO4 battery, and lithium-ion ternary (NMC, NCA, battery).
In a lithium iron phosphate battery, LiFePO4 is used as a source of energy
the cathode material & a graphitic carbon electrode with metal support as the anode. Rechargeable LiFePO4 batteries are also known as LFP batteries. It is the safest Lithium battery kind currently accessible on the marketplace today. It is small in size & light in weight, and the lifecycle could reach thousands of cycles.
Compared to other lithium-ion polymer batteries, the lifecycle of a LiFePO4 battery is four to five times longer. The working temperature range is more expansive &? safer; yet, the discharge platform is lower, the fully-charged voltage is 3.65V, & the nominal voltage is only 3.2V,
Lithium iron phosphate is typically used to replace traditional lead-acid batteries. Lithium iron phosphate batteries are used in residential solar energy systems, golf carts, outdoor portable energy storage,fishing, & electric motorcycles.
Which is the best battery between, lithium-ion and lithium battery?
Lithium batteries are the preferred option when it comes to powering devices that require extended battery life. They are especially suitable for critical applications such as pacemakers, TV remotes, DV cameras, alarm clocks, calculators, and hearing aids. All of these items require a long-standing power source without needing to plug into mains electricity always, so a Lithium battery is a perfect choice.
When the device needs frequent recharging, The situation where Lithium-ion batteries are much more favourable. The Lithium-ion battery in your mobile phone usually lasts around a day. You can recharge it daily for several years without losing any function. Devices like laptops, solar power storage, digital cameras, portable power packs, & any sort of wireless technology use rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries to function. Due to their widespread use, they need the capability to recharge without replacing parts.
Neither kind of battery should be exposed to hot temperatures, as this could risk permanent damage & can even be dangerous. Store your batteries in a cool, dry place at average room temperature.
The most crucial difference between lithium & lithium-ion batteries is in the cell kind they use. Lithium batteries have a primary cell structure. They are single-use or non-rechargeable. Ion batteries have a secondary cell structure. They can be recharged & utilised over and over again.
The lithium battery was made-up before lithium-ion batteries. Though, since they could not be safely or efficiently recharged, businesses were motivated to make a rechargeable alternative. Enter lithium-ion battery. This battery could be recharged many times before they suffer degrading.
Despite not being rechargeable, lithium battery has a greater capacity than their lithium-ion counterpart. Since they have a higher energy density, they can operate for a longer period of time.
Final Thought
Due to unlimited modernisation in battery technology, lithium chemistry is now the most popular power source for high-energy use devices. It has a long shelf-life and could serve as a continuous power source for long periods, contributing to its accomplishment. As you can see, there are several different types of lithium batteries. Each one has pros and cons & various specific applications they excel in. The type of lithium battery you should use depends on your application, budget and other requirements.