About Li-Ion Batteries
Generally, what are Li-Ion Batteries?
Li-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries that use lithium ions which move from a negative electrode to positive electrode. They are popular batteries for use in consumer electronics because they provide good energy density, no memory effect, and a slow loss of charge when not in use. These batteries come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. In addition, compared to lead-acid batteries, Li-ion batteries are lighter and provide a higher open circuit voltage, which allows for power transfer at lower currents. These batteries have the following characteristics: (1) enhanced safety, (2) exceptional low temperature performance, (3) good cycle life, (4) high abuse tolerance, (5) high capacity, (6) high rate capability, and (7) high temperature performance. The term "Li-ion" battery is a general term. There are many different chemistries for Li-Ion batteries including LiCoO2 (cylindrical cell), LiPo, and LiFePO4 (cylindrical/prismatic cell). Bioenno Power focuses on design, manufacturing, and marketing of LiPo and LiFePO4 batteries.
What are Li-Po (lithium-polymer) batteries?
Li-Po batteries are a type of Li-Ion battery that are used for a variety of high current discharge applications such as in RC toy models (cars, helicopters, airplanes, boats, etc.). They are also used in various consumer electronics because of their compact size. The Li-po batteries are comprised of cells that are stacked in series/parallel configurations. Each cell contains anode and cathode plates with a gel electrolyte that are placed in a pouch. These batteries are low in costs , can be packaged into a variety of shapes (which is important for use in electronics such as cell phones), light in weight, and are rugged.
What are LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries)?
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries use a new type of cathode material that provides several advantages over traditional Li-ion batteries based on LiCoO2. LiFePO4 batteries provice much higher specific capacity, superior thermal and chemical stability, enhanced safety, improved cost performance, enhanced charge and discharge rates, compact size, light weight, and enhanced cycle life. LiFePO4 batteries can offer a cycle life of potentially 2,000 charge cycles!