Lithium-ion batteries are one of the most recent advancements in battery technology. They've quickly become one of the most popular power sources for laptops, cell phones, power tools, flashlights, and other consumer electronics—and for good reason. Lithium-ion batteries have a wide variety of advantages that other batteries don't. Let's look at some of the advantages of lithium-ion batteries and what makes them better than the rest.
What's the Difference Between Lithium and Lithium-Ion?
They might have a similar name and similar properties, but there's one thing that makes lithium and lithium-ion batteries unique from one another—their cell type. A lithium battery is a primary cell, while a lithium-ion battery is a secondary cell. A "primary cell" is one that isn't rechargeable. A "secondary cell," on the contrary, is a cell that can be recharged.
Advantages of Lithium-Ion Batteries
There are numerous advantages of lithium-ion batteries, ranging from their impressive amount of power to their eco-friendliness. Here are some of the biggest benefits of lithium-ion batteries.
Pack a Punch
Most lithium-ion batteries are lightweight and compact, but they pack a surprising punch for their size. This is because lithium is a highly reactive element with the ability to store and release large amounts of energy. This allows lithium-ion batteries to retain a high energy capacity despite their impressively small container. As a result, they can last much longer between charges than other types of rechargeable batteries while still maintaining a high performance level.
Easy To Charge
Lithium-ion batteries are fast-charging and much easier to charge than older types of rechargeable batteries. This is because most older types of rechargeable batteries, such as nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride, have what’s known as the "memory effect." If they’re partially discharged before being recharged, the batteries will deliver the energy that was used during the partial discharges before experiencing a drop in voltage. To avoid this, they need to be completely discharged before they can be recharged. Fortunately, lithium-ion batteries don't suffer from the memory effect. This means they'll always use up the entirety of their power and can be charged regardless of their current capacity.
Environmentally-Friendly
If the eco-friendliness of your batteries matter to you, lithium-ion batteries are a fantastic choice. They contain low levels of the harmful heavy metals that are often found in abundance in other types of rechargeable batteries, including cadmium, lead, and mercury. These materials can be dangerous, especially if they're disposed of improperly. The charging capabilities of lithium-ion batteries mean that they last much longer than non-rechargeable batteries, which translates into less battery waste and less damage to the environment.
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