Lithium-Ion vs Lithium Polymer Battery
Before moving to the comparison of the lithium-ion and the lithium-polymer battery, we have to first understand, what is Lithium-ion and Lithium-polymer battery.
What is a Lithium-Ion Battery?
Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) are a family of rechargeable batteries having high energy density and are commonly used in consumer electronics. Unlike the disposable lithium primary battery, a LIB uses intercalated lithium compound instead of metallic lithium as its electrode.
Usually, LIBs are significantly lighter than other kinds of rechargeable batteries of similar size. LIBs are heavily used in portable electronics. These batteries can be commonly found in PDAs, iPods, cell phones, laptops, etc. This term is also known as an LI-ion.
Lithium ions move from the negative electrode (anode) to the positive electrode (cathode) when a LIB is discharging (cathode). Lithium ions move in the opposite direction when a LIB is charging, the negative electrode becomes the cathode and the positive electrode becomes the anode.
Advantages of Lithium-Ion batteries
- A typical LIB can store 150 watt-hours of electricity per kg of battery, compared to 100 watt-hours in a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery and only 25 watt-hours in a lithium-ion battery.
- LIBs hold a charge well. They usually lose approximately 5% of their charge each month, against a 20% monthly loss for NiMH batteries.
- LIBs do not require complete discharge before recharging.
- LIBs can handle more charge/discharge cycles.
Disadvantages of Lithium-ion Batteries
- The LIBs start to degrade the moment they leave the factory. They usually last for only two to three years from the date of manufacture, regardless of whether used or unused.
- LIBs are highly sensitive to higher temperatures. Higher temperature leads to a much faster degradation rate than normal.
- If a LIB is fully discharged, it gets damaged.
- LIBs are comparatively expensive.
- There exists a small possibility that if the LIB pack fails, it may burst open into flame.
What is a lithium-polymer battery?
A lithium-polymer (LiPo, LIP, or Li-Poly) battery is a rechargeable battery with a soft polymer casing and a soft external "pouch" for the lithium-ion battery inside. It could also be a lithium-ion battery with a gelled polymer as the electrolyte. However, the term is most commonly used to describe a type of lithium-ion battery that comes in a pouch. The more accurate name for this type of battery is lithium-ion polymer battery.
Lithium-polymer batteries are lighter and more flexible than other kinds of lithium-ion batteries because of their soft shells, allowing them to be used in mobile and other electronic devices, as well as in remote control vehicles.
The lithium-polymer batteries(Lipo) are most commonly used in mobile devices, power banks, very thin laptop computers, portable media players, wireless controllers for video game consoles, wireless PC peripherals, electronic cigarettes, and other applications where small form factors are considered.
Advantages of the LiPo battery
- It offers high specific energy compared to other lithium batteries.
- It is used in less-weight devices such as smartphones and thin laptops as well as smart wearables due to its lightweight and compact size.
- It offers high capacity and hence can be used to hold more power.
- It is safe from explosion, unlike Li-Ion battery.
- It does not lose its charging capacity as fast as a Li-Ion battery. Hence its life span is greater than 1000 times which is higher than a Li-Ion battery. Its charging time is very short.
Disadvantages of LiPo Battery
- It supports less recharge life which is about 300 to 400 cycles.
- Its chemistry leads to fire when the LiPo battery is punctured.
- It requires special care during charging, discharging, and storage.
- It is expensive. The cost is almost double that Li-Ion battery.
Comparison between Lithium-Ion and Lithium-Polymer Batteries
|
Specifications |
Lithium-Ion |
Lithium Polymer |
|
Energy density, WH/Kg |
Higher, 100 to 250 |
Lower, 130 to 200 |
|
Cost |
Cheap |
Expensive, almost double than Li-Ion |
|
Size |
Big |
Slim |
|
Chances of explosion when overcharged |
Like to explode if do not handle with care |
Safe from explosion |
|
Life |
The charging capacity is reduced over time. Life span < 100 times |
It does not lose its charging capacity as much as compared to Lithium-Ion. Life span > 1000 times |
|
Duration of charging |
Long |
Short |
|
Weight |
Heavier |
Light in Weight |
|
Conversion rate |
About 85 to 95 % |
About 75 to 90 % |
|
Nominal cell voltage |
3.2 V |
3.7 V |
|
Safety concern |
Not stable |
Stable |
|
Environment concern |
Very dangerous |
Somehow |
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have learned that Lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries are subject to advantages and disadvantages. Lithium-ion batteries are ubiquitous and yield heightened energy density, whereas lithium-polymer batteries provide greater pliancy in terms of structure and better safety. Ultimately, one's preferences and specific needs will determine whether to opt for one over the other. Regardless of the type of battery you select, it's evident that lithium-based technology has been a game-changer in the realm of powering our gadgets and will continue to play an indispensable role for many years to come. Hence, it's crucial to stay abreast of the upsides and downsides of various battery types, such as lithium-ion and lithium-polymer, to remain up-to-date with the latest technology trends.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a lithium-ion battery used for?
The lithium-ion battery, a reservoir of electrical potential, finds employment in sundry contrivances ranging from handheld communicators to personal computers, motorcars and mechanical implements. Its reputation for elevated energy density, negligible self-discharge, and extended longevity precedes it. Functioning on the basis of an intricate interplay of lithium ions and a cathode medium, it engenders power via a chemical reaction and may be rejuvenated using a supplementary external power source.
2. What are lithium-polymer batteries for?
Lithium-polymer batteries are rechargeable batteries that use a soft polymer casing and lithium-ion for one of the electrodes. They are commonly used to power commercial and hobby drones, radio-controlled aircraft, radio-controlled cars, and large-scale model trains due to their lower weight and increased capacity and power delivery. Lithium-polymer batteries differ from lithium-ion batteries in that they use a polymer electrolyte rather than a liquid electrolyte
3. Which battery is better lithium or polymer?
Lithium-ion batteries are generally more effective and prevalent than lithium-polymer batteries. They have better density and high power capacity than lithium-polymer batteries, and they also last longer on average. They are also more versatile in terms of their size and shape, making them suitable for smaller devices.
On the other hand, lithium-polymer batteries are more robust and flexible in terms of their build, making them suitable for high-power use. They also have an extremely low self-discharge rate, meaning they can retain their charge for a longer period of time. Additionally, lithium-polymer batteries are safer than lithium-ion batteries due to their robust packaging.
Components and Supplies
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a lithium-ion battery used for?
The lithium-ion battery, a reservoir of electrical potential, finds employment in sundry contrivances ranging from handheld communicators to personal computers, motorcars and mechanical implements. Its reputation for elevated energy density, negligible self-discharge, and extended longevity precedes it. Functioning on the basis of an intricate interplay of lithium ions and a cathode medium, it engenders power via a chemical reaction and may be rejuvenated using a supplementary external power source.
2. What are lithium-polymer batteries for?
Lithium-polymer batteries are rechargeable batteries that use a soft polymer casing and lithium-ion for one of the electrodes. They are commonly used to power commercial and hobby drones, radio-controlled aircraft, radio-controlled cars, and large-scale model trains due to their lower weight and increased capacity and power delivery. Lithium-polymer batteries differ from lithium-ion batteries in that they use a polymer electrolyte rather than a liquid electrolyte
3. Which battery is better lithium or polymer?
Lithium-ion batteries are generally more effective and prevalent than lithium-polymer batteries. They have better density and high power capacity than lithium-polymer batteries, and they also last longer on average. They are also more versatile in terms of their size and shape, making them suitable for smaller devices.
On the other hand, lithium-polymer batteries are more robust and flexible in terms of their build, making them suitable for high-power use. They also have an extremely low self-discharge rate, meaning they can retain their charge for a longer period of time. Additionally, lithium-polymer batteries are safer than lithium-ion batteries due to their robust packaging.