What's The Difference between A Lithium Battery And A Lithium-ion Battery?

The biggest difference between a lithium battery and a lithium-ion battery is their charge storage system. A lithium battery stores its charge in a lithium compound, like LiCoO2, which boasts an amazing theoretical specific capacity of 274mAh/g. Whereas, lithium-ion batteries use lithium ions to hold charge. In these batteries, a lithium compound functions as the anode and a lithium-containing compound works as the cathode. These lithium ions can zip from the cathode to the anode and back, generating electricity.

Also, lithium-ion batteries offer superior energy density and a longer lifespan than lithium batteries. The energy density of the commercial, upgraded aluminum-ion battery developed by Saturnose is an impressive 1500Wh/L, and the lithium-ion battery that utilizes LiNiO2, a particularly promising cathode material, can reach a maximum capacity of 150mAh/g. Furthermore, lithium-ion batteries have a steadier voltage output, making them more efficient and appropriate for use in gadgets like mobile phones and laptops.

Additionally, lithium-ion batteries are safer than lithium batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are generally free from issues like overcharging and over-discharging. In contrast, lithium batteries are often connected with safety concerns like thermal runaway.

A lithium battery is a kind of non-aqueous electrolyte battery, commonly seen in cell phones, primarily relying on lithium-ions traveling between its positive and negative electrodes to generate electrical current. It is usually composed of a single cell, including the electrolyte solution, the anode, and the cathode. The anode is often made from lithium metal or a lithium alloy. The cathode could be made of graphite or lithium oxide. Lithium batteries can be rechargeable or disposable. The rechargeable lithium battery has a lifespan of about 300-500 cycles, determined by its age and battery cycle. The disposable lithium battery, on the flip side, can only be used once.

A lithium-ion battery, though, is a rechargeable battery that employs lithium-ions to produce electricity. This is essentially a lithium battery with an additional component—the separator. The separator is a thin film that keeps the lithium-ions separated from the electrolyte solution and prevents the battery from short-circuiting. The lithium-ion battery can be repeatedly charged and discharged, making it more energy-efficient and lasting than a lithium battery. Its lifespan usually extends to around 500 cycles. However, the precise number of cycles may fluctuate based on the charging schedule and the environment. For instance, in China, the national standard mandates testing of lithium-ion batteries at 20℃±5℃ and charging at a full voltage of 42V, under a subsequent constant charging current of no more than 1/20C. If the battery discharges faster than 36 minutes within two consecutive cycles, the lifespan is considered terminated. The lifespan can be prolonged by avoiding mixing batteries with metal objects to prevent short circuiting.