Understanding All About Lithium Batteries
Trying to find out more information on batteries can be a real headache. There are so many different kinds of batteries, and so many variations within those those families. Here we are going to focus on the family of lithium batteries. It does not help that many people use the terms loosely or incorrectly. This article aims to clear up some of that confusion. We will discuss how batteries work, and the differences among the three primary types.
All batteries work in the same basic way. They have two terminals, one positive and one negative. The negative terminal is called the anode. The positive terminal is called the cathode. When the two terminals are connected through the device it starts a chemical reaction. The negative ions from the anode go to the positive terminal. This chemical reaction is converted into electrical energy.
Lithium batteries are popular because they have so many advantages over other types. Lithium is a lightweight metal. It also has a high energy density, which means it can store more energy per volume of mass than other materials traditionally used in batteries. This combination of high energy and low weight is what makes lithium batteries the main choice for portable devices. Also, they can generate high voltage when needed and handle extreme temperatures well.
You will find three major types of lithium batteries on the market. They are all lithium based, of course, but there are some important differences. The technical aspects of those differences are pretty complicated, so we will just outline the basic features of each.
First, there are simple lithium batteries. They are commonly used in small devices like calculators, watches, and toys. They are used in pacemakers, too. Basically they’re to be found in any device that needs to be light, small, and have lasting power. They last a great deal longer than your traditional alkaline batteries. So much so, that the battery will regularly outlast the device it is powering!
Next you have the lithium ion batteries. They are often called Li-ion for short. The primary difference, and advantage, of this type of battery is that it is rechargeable. A laptop battery is a good example of a Li-ion battery. Another type of battery would have a much higher self-discharge rate (the loss of charge when not being used)than the Li-ion does, and would also be much heavier and larger. You can see why lithium batteries are so important to our modern technology!
The next type is the lithium ion polymer (Li-poly) battery. It’s really just an advancement on the Li-ion design. Rather than have the electrolyte in an an organic solvent is in a polymer-based man made solvent. Really that just means it is less volatile and discharges at a lower rate. Generally it also costs less. One disadvantage that they do take longer to charge to full capacity.
Battery technology and design continues to improve at great speed. Lithium batteries will continue to get smaller and more efficient. So, without a doubt, this type of battery will be a part of your life. Now you will understand more about them and how they work!
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