Are you constantly struggling to keep your mobile devices charged? Don't worry, you're not alone. Most of us face this issue, and it's mainly because we don't pay much attention to the type of battery our devices use.
Li-Ion (Lithium-ion) and Li-Polymer (Lithium-polymer) are two commonly used types of batteries in mobile devices. In this article, we compare the two to help you choose the right battery for your device.
Li-Ion Batteries
Li-Ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that uses lithium ions to store and release energy. They have a higher energy density than other types of batteries, which means they can hold more charge in a smaller space.
Pros:
- Li-Ion batteries are widely used in many electronic devices because of their high energy density, long lifespan, and low self-discharge rate.
- They are relatively inexpensive, making them a popular choice for manufacturers.
- They are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, making them suitable for different types of devices.
Cons:
- Li-Ion batteries are known to have a higher risk of overheating and catching fire.
- They have to be carefully charged and discharged to prevent degradation of the battery's performance.
- They can suffer from "memory effect," where the battery forgets its full capacity if it's not regularly discharged fully.
Li-Polymer Batteries
Li-Polymer batteries are also rechargeable batteries that use a polymer electrolyte instead of a liquid electrolyte. They are thinner and lighter than Li-Ion batteries, making them popular among manufacturers of slim devices.
Pros:
- Li-Polymer batteries have a lower risk of catching fire or exploding compared to Li-Ion batteries.
- They have a longer lifespan than Li-Ion batteries and don't suffer from "memory effect."
- They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them suitable for different types of devices.
Cons:
- Li-Polymer batteries are more expensive to manufacture than Li-Ion batteries, which makes them a less popular choice among manufacturers.
- They have a lower energy density than Li-Ion batteries, which means they can't hold as much charge in the same space.
- They have a slightly faster self-discharge rate than Li-Ion batteries, which means they may not hold their charge for as long.
Which One is Better?
It all comes down to the user's preference, as both Li-Ion and Li-Polymer batteries have their pros and cons. If you value longer battery life and a wider range of options, Li-Ion batteries might be the right choice. But if you want a safer and lighter battery, Li-Polymer batteries are your best bet.
References
- Battery University. (n.d.). How Lithium-ion Batteries Work. Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_does_the_lithium_ion_battery_work
- Battery University. (n.d.). Bu-808: How to Prolong Lithium-based Batteries. Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_to_prolong_lithium_based_batteries
- Battery Energy Storage System Safety. (2019). Lithium-Ion vs Lithium-Polymer: What’s the Difference? Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://www.bess.bid/blog-1/2019/6/10/lithium-ion-vs-lithium-polymer-whats-the-difference