March 14, 2024
Understanding lithium and lithium-ion batteries: Full comparison and applications
In today’s modern technology, batteries, as the core components of portable power sources, play a vital role in our lives. In particular, lithium and lithium-ion batteries are widely used in various electronic devices, electric vehicles and energy storage systems. However, for many people, the concepts of lithium and lithium-ion batteries are often confused. This article will explore the differences, working principles, advantages and disadvantages of lithium and lithium-ion batteries, as well as their respective application scenarios, to help readers better understand these two important battery technologies.
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Lithium battery: concept and classification
Lithium battery is not a single type, but a general term for a type of battery that uses lithium metal or lithium alloy as the negative electrode material and uses a non-aqueous electrolyte solution. Depending on whether it is rechargeable, lithium batteries can be divided into primary lithium batteries (non-rechargeable) and secondary lithium batteries (rechargeable, i.e. lithium-ion batteries).
Primary lithium battery (non-rechargeable)
Primary lithium batteries, as the name suggests, are disposable batteries that cannot be recharged repeatedly. Its working principle is similar to that of ordinary dry batteries. It uses metallic lithium as the negative electrode and generates electricity through the corrosion or oxidation of lithium metal. Common positive electrode materials of primary lithium batteries include manganese dioxide (Li-MnO₂), thionyl chloride (Li-SOCl₂), etc.
Due to the extremely high chemical activity of metallic lithium, primary lithium batteries have high battery energy density and long storage life. However, due to poor safety, there may be risks of short circuit (explore lithium battery internal short circuit), overheating or explosion, so its application scenarios are subject to certain restrictions.
Advantages and disadvantages of primary lithium battery
Advantages:
- High energy density: Primary lithium batteries can store more electrical energy at the same volume or weight.
- Long storage life: In idle state, primary lithium batteries can maintain power for a longer time.
Disadvantages:
- Non-rechargeable: Once the power is exhausted, the battery is scrapped.
- Poor safety: The chemical activity of metallic lithium is high, and there are safety hazards.
- High cost: The production cost is relatively high.
Application scenarios:
Primary lithium batteries are mainly used in devices with high requirements for battery life, such as watches, calculators, remote controls, medical equipment (such as pacemakers), security equipment, and some industrial instruments.
Secondary lithium batteries (rechargeable): lithium-ion batteries
Secondary lithium batteries, which we often call lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion Battery), are a type of rechargeable battery. It relies on lithium ions to move back and forth between the positive and negative electrodes during the charging and discharging process to achieve energy storage and release. Lithium-ion batteries are currently the most common type of rechargeable batteries and are widely used in various portable electronic devices, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems.
Lithium-ion batteries: working principle and materials
The working principle of lithium-ion batteries is based on the embedding and de-embedding process of lithium ions. During the charging process, lithium ions are de-embedded from the positive electrode, move to the negative electrode through the electrolyte, and embed into the negative electrode material; the discharge process is the opposite, lithium ions are de-embedded from the negative electrode, move to the positive electrode through the electrolyte, and embed into the positive electrode material.
The main components of lithium-ion batteries:
- Positive electrode: lithium compounds, such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂), nickel cobalt manganese ternary materials (NMC), lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄), etc.
- Negative electrode: carbon materials (such as graphite), lithium titanate (Li₄Ti₅O₁₂), etc.
- Electrolyte: an organic solution of lithium salts, used to provide a medium for lithium ion transmission.
- Separator: a porous membrane used to separate the positive and negative electrodes to prevent short circuits while allowing lithium ions to pass through.
Advantages and disadvantages of lithium-ion batteries
Advantages:
- High energy density: The electrical energy stored per unit volume or weight of lithium-ion batteries is much higher than other types of rechargeable batteries.
- Long cycle life: high-quality lithium-ion batteries can be charged and discharged hundreds or even thousands of times.
- Low self-discharge rate: lithium-ion batteries lose less power when idle.
- No memory effect: lithium-ion batteries can be charged without being fully discharged, making them more flexible to use (understanding battery memory effect).
- Lightweight: Lithium-ion batteries are lighter than other types of batteries.
Disadvantages:
- High cost: The production cost of lithium-ion batteries is relatively high.
- Safety: In extreme cases, lithium-ion batteries may be at risk of overheating, burning or explosion.
- Aging: The performance of lithium-ion batteries will gradually decline over time.
Types of lithium-ion batteries
Depending on the different positive electrode materials, lithium-ion batteries can be divided into many types, each with its own unique characteristics and application scenarios.
- Lithium cobalt oxide battery (LCO): The positive electrode material is LiCoO₂, which has high energy density, but high cost and poor safety. It is mainly used in consumer electronics such as mobile phones and laptops.
- Ternary lithium battery (NMC/NCA): The positive electrode material is a mixture of nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co) or aluminum (Al) (such as LiNiMnCoO₂), with high energy density and long cycle life. NMC battery is widely used in electric vehicles (such as Tesla) and high-end consumer electronics.
- Lithium iron phosphate battery (LFP): The positive electrode material is LiFePO₄, which has high safety and long life (more than 2,000 cycles), but low energy density. It is often used in energy storage systems, electric buses and application scenarios with high safety requirements.
- Lithium manganese oxide battery (LMO): The positive electrode material is LiMn₂O₄, which has low cost and good safety, but short cycle life. It is mostly used in power tools and electric bicycles.
- Lithium titanate battery (LTO battery): The negative electrode material is lithium titanate (Li₄Ti₅O₁₂) to replace graphite, with ultra-long life (more than 10,000 cycles), strong fast charging capability, but low energy density, suitable for special vehicles and energy storage systems.
Lithium vs lithium-ion battery: core differences
| Feature | Lithium Battery | Lithium-Ion Battery |
|---|---|---|
| Rechargeable | Not rechargeable (primary battery) | Rechargeable (secondary battery) |
| Anode Material | Metallic lithium | Carbon-based materials (e.g., graphite), lithium titanate, etc. |
| Current Carrier | Electron transfer | Lithium-ion transfer |
| Working Principle | Redox reactions of metallic lithium | Intercalation and deintercalation of lithium ions between electrodes |
| Safety | Lower safety; risk of short circuit, overheating, or explosion | Relatively safer, but still requires proper handling |
| Applications | Small electronic devices, medical equipment, and other scenarios with high shelf-life requirements | Portable electronics, electric vehicles, energy storage systems |
Lithium vs lithium-ion battery: Which is better?
Lithium and lithium-ion batteries each have their own advantages and disadvantages, and which one is better depends on the specific usage scenario.
- Primary lithium battery Suitable for devices with high requirements for battery life, such as watches, calculators, medical devices, etc., which usually do not require frequent battery replacement.
- Lithium-ion batteries are suitable for devices that require frequent charging, such as mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicles, etc. These devices have high requirements for energy density, cycle life and safety.
How to customize lithium batteries
With the continuous changes in market demand, customized lithium batteries have become a trend. Through customization, the performance and size of the battery can be optimized according to the specific application scenarios and equipment requirements, and the overall efficiency and competitiveness of the equipment can be improved.
Here are some steps to custom lithium battery:
- Clear requirements: Determine the application scenarios, voltage, capacity, size, shape, operating temperature range and other key parameters of lithium batteries.
- Choose a customized manufacturer: Choose a strong and experienced lithium battery customization manufacturer, considering factors such as its technical level, product quality, production capacity and service attitude.
- Communication and negotiation: Clearly inform the customization manufacturer of the requirements and obtain corresponding solutions and quotations.
- Sample confirmation: After reaching a cooperation agreement, the manufacturer will make samples according to the requirements, test them, and confirm that the samples meet the requirements.
- Mass production: After the samples are confirmed to be correct, the manufacturer will carry out mass production according to the requirements and strictly control the product quality.
- Quality inspection and after-sales service: Customized lithium batteries will undergo strict quality inspection before leaving the factory to ensure the quality of the battery. At the same time, the manufacturer will provide complete after-sales service, such as product warranty, technical support, etc.
Conclusion
Lithium and lithium-ion batteries are indispensable energy storage solutions in modern life. Understanding the differences, working principles, advantages and disadvantages, and their respective application scenarios will help us better select and use these battery technologies.
With the continuous development of technology, the performance of lithium and lithium-ion batteries will continue to improve, and the application fields will become more extensive, bringing more convenience and possibilities to our lives.
Whether it is the popularization of electric vehicles or the development of smart homes, they are inseparable from the strong support of lithium and lithium-ion batteries. In the future, we look forward to safer, more efficient and environmentally friendly battery technology to contribute to sustainable development.
FAQ
What is the difference between lithium and lithium-ion batteries?
Lithium batteries are disposable batteries and cannot be recharged; lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and support multiple cycles.
Can lithium batteries be recharged?
No. Lithium batteries are disposable and charging may cause danger.
Are lithium batteries better than lithium-ion batteries?
It depends on the application. Lithium batteries are suitable for low-power devices, and lithium-ion batteries are suitable for devices that need to be charged frequently.
Can lithium-ion batteries replace lithium batteries?
Usually not. The voltage and structure of the two are different, and it needs to be determined based on the compatibility of the equipment.
Are lithium batteries more expensive than lithium-ion batteries?
In terms of unit energy cost, lithium batteries are more expensive, but they may be more economical when used for one-time purposes.
Is 18650 a lithium battery or a lithium-ion battery?
18650 is a common type of lithium-ion battery, which is rechargeable and widely used in power tools, energy storage systems, etc.
How to distinguish lithium batteries from lithium-ion batteries?
Check the product label or specification: the one marked as "Li-ion" is a lithium-ion battery, and the one marked as "Li" but without rechargeable instructions is a lithium battery.
How long can a lithium-ion battery last?
Depending on the frequency of use and maintenance, it can usually be charged and discharged 2,000 times.
Which is more environmentally friendly, lithium batteries or lithium-ion batteries?
Lithium-ion batteries can be used multiple times, reduce waste, and are relatively more environmentally friendly, but their recycling and processing still need to be regulated.
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Willow
Willow is a materials engineer with a Master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, specializing in lithium-ion battery materials and energy storage technologies.
Her work focuses on EV battery swapping solutions, battery innovation, and new energy industry trends, aiming to translate research insights into practical applications for sustainable transportation.
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