A Guide To The 6 Main Types Of Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries have surged in popularity recently, powering devices such as cell phones, laptops, cordless tools, and electric vehicles. Though lithium batteries are widespread, they are not all the same. In this article, we will explore the six main types of lithium batteries, examining their pros and cons, as well as their best applications.

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What Is A Lithium Battery?

Lithium batteries operate by utilizing lithium ions to store energy, thus creating an electrical potential difference between the battery’s negative and positive poles. An insulating layer, known as a separator, divides these two sides, preventing the flow of electrons while allowing lithium ions to migrate.

During charging, lithium ions shift from the positive to the negative side through the separator. Conversely, when the battery discharges, the ions return to the positive side. This ion movement generates an electrical potential difference, referred to as voltage. When connected to an electronic device, the battery forces blocked electrons to flow through the device, powering it.

What Are The 6 Main Types Of Lithium Batteries?

Each type of lithium battery leverages distinct active materials and chemical reactions to store energy, offering unique advantages and drawbacks. The naming of these batteries typically reflects their active materials. The first type we will examine is lithium iron phosphate, also known as LiFePO4 or more simply LFP.

#1. Lithium Iron Phosphate

Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries utilize phosphate as the cathode and a graphitic carbon electrode as the anode. These batteries are praised for their longevity, excellent thermal stability, and strong electrochemical performance.

What Are They Used For:

LFP cells operate at a nominal voltage of 3.2 volts, meaning that connecting four in series produces a 12.8-volt battery. This attribute makes LFP batteries a frequent choice for replacing lead-acid deep-cycle batteries.

Benefits:

LFP batteries are recognized for their durability, lengthy life cycles, and safety features. They often have a lifecycle rating exceeding 2,000 cycles. Importantly, the depth of discharge minimally affects LFP battery lifespan, with many manufacturers rating their batteries for 80% depth of discharge and some allowing full discharge without damage.

The materials used in LFP batteries ensure low resistance, contributing to inherent safety and stability. They also have a thermal runaway threshold of approximately 518 degrees Fahrenheit, making them a safe option even when fully charged.

Drawbacks:

Despite their advantages, LFP batteries do have drawbacks. They exhibit relatively low specific energy compared to other lithium types and may have reduced performance in colder temperatures, which could limit their suitability in high-cranking applications.

#2. Lithium Cobalt Oxide

Lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) batteries possess high specific energy but lower specific power, which hinders their performance in high-load applications while allowing them to provide sustained power over time.

What Are They Used For:

Historically used in compact electronics such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and cameras, LCO batteries are now declining in use due to cobalt's high cost and associated safety concerns.

Benefits:

The primary advantage of LCO batteries is their high specific energy, facilitating long-term power delivery in low-load applications.

Drawbacks:

However, LCO batteries are often criticized for their short lifespan, typically between 500 and 1,000 cycles. Coupled with the expensive nature of cobalt, these factors reduce their cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, low thermal stability raises safety concerns, and their low specific power limits performance in demanding applications.

#3. Lithium Manganese Oxide

Lithium Manganese Oxide (LMO) batteries employ lithium manganese oxide as the cathode material, resulting in a three-dimensional structure that enhances ion flow, reduces internal resistance, and increases current handling while improving thermal stability and safety.

What Are They Used For:

Commonly found in portable power tools, medical devices, and some hybrid and electric vehicles, LMO batteries are widely utilized.

Benefits:

LMO batteries charge rapidly and provide high specific power, enabling them to deliver greater currents than other types like LCO. Their better thermal stability allows them to function safely in higher temperature ranges. Additionally, their internal chemistry can be optimized for either high-load or long-life applications.

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Drawbacks:

The main drawback of LMO batteries is their relatively short lifespan, with a typical cycle count between 300-700, significantly less than that of other types.

#4. Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide

Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) batteries combine the benefits of nickel, manganese, and cobalt. While nickel offers high specific energy, it lacks stability, while manganese provides stability but has lower specific energy. Combining these elements creates a stable chemistry with high specific energy.

What They Are Used For:

NMC batteries, like LMO, are prevalent in power tools and electronic powertrains for e-bikes, scooters, and various electric vehicles.

Benefits:

The benefits of NMC batteries include impressive energy density and longer life cycles at a lower cost than cobalt-based batteries. They also boast better thermal stability compared to LCO, making them safer overall.

Drawbacks:

A significant drawback of NMC batteries is their slightly lower voltage in comparison to cobalt-based options.

#5. Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminium Oxide

Lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA) batteries provide high specific energy, respectable specific power, and a long lifecycle, making them capable of delivering high current over extended periods.

What They Are Used For:

Due to their ability to perform in high-load applications while maintaining long battery life, NCA batteries are favored in the electric vehicle market, especially by Tesla.

Benefits:

The main benefits of NCA batteries include high energy capacity and satisfactory lifespan.

Drawbacks:

However, NCA batteries are not as safe as many other lithium technologies and tend to be quite expensive.

#6. Lithium Titanate

Unlike the previous types, lithium titanate (LTO) batteries replace graphite in the anode with lithium titanate and can utilize either LMO or NMC as cathode chemistry. This composition yields a very safe battery with a long lifespan and rapid charging capabilities.

What Are They Used For:

LTO batteries find application in various fields, including electric vehicles, charging stations, uninterrupted power supplies, renewable energy storage, solar streetlights, telecommunications, and military equipment.

Benefits:

LTO batteries boast numerous advantages such as fast charging, a wide range of operating temperatures, an extended lifespan, and excellent safety due to their stability.

Drawbacks:

However, LTO batteries face challenges, such as lower energy density, resulting in less energy storage relative to weight compared to other lithium technologies. Moreover, they can be quite costly.

Do All Types of Batteries Use Lithium?

No, not all batteries incorporate lithium. While lithium batteries are increasingly replacing traditional battery technologies, standards such as lead-acid deep-cycle batteries are still common in many applications.

Lead-acid batteries have historically dominated the motor vehicle market, and despite lithium's rising popularity, lead-acid batteries remain the preferred choice for gas-powered vehicles due to lower initial costs.

Furthermore, the most frequently found batteries in stores are alkaline batteries, utilizing zinc and manganese dioxide for energy storage. Prior to the rise of rechargeable lithium batteries, rechargeable options like nickel-cadmium (NiCad) were commonplace, though they are diminishing in use as lithium batteries become more dominant.

What’s The Most Common Type of Lithium Battery?

The most prevalent lithium battery type is lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), which powers numerous devices such as cell phones, laptops, tablets, and digital cameras. Thus, it's no surprise that it holds the title of the most commonly used lithium battery.

Choose The Right Lithium Battery For Your Job

As outlined, the world of lithium batteries is diverse, with each type offering specific advantages, disadvantages, and ideal applications. Determining which lithium battery is best suited for your needs involves careful consideration of the application, budget, safety requirements, and power demands.

Lithium Primary Batteries | BatteryJunction

Primary lithium batteries deliver higher voltage than others, enabling fewer batteries to supply the same power output. They are lighter than nickel-cadmium alternatives and can maintain their charge for extended periods, sometimes even years. Additionally, lithium batteries are highly recyclable, making them a more eco-friendly option.

Common applications of lithium batteries include mobile phones, smartphones, laptops, tablets, digital cameras, camcorders, handheld gaming consoles, and flashlights.

Contact us to discuss your requirements for a lithium primary battery. Our knowledgeable sales team can help identify the best options for your needs.