What is a Lithium Polymer Battery?

What is a Lithium Polymer Battery?

Summary

There are differences between traditional lithium-ion batteries and the more niche lithium-polymer batteries. We next understand what a polymer battery is and compare Li-ion to Li-polymer.

What is a Lithium Polymer Battery?
The term lithium polymer battery appears in the marketing and product descriptions of various lithium-ion batteries. Some power bank batteries are described as lithium-polymer batteries, and there is a difference between the more traditional lithium-ion batteries and the more niche lithium-polymer batteries.

It is often necessary to compare the performance of Li-ion versus Li-polymer and balance the advantages and disadvantages of each type. We next understand what is a lithium polymer battery.

What is Lithium Polymer Technology?

Many terms are used when looking at Li-polymer or even Li-ion batteries. The industry literature often assumes that cylindrical and prismatic batteries use traditional Li-Ion technology, while Li-polymer, Li-polymer, and even pouch cells are referred to as Li-polymer technology.

In terms of basic technology, a lithium-polymer battery differs from other forms of lithium-ion batteries in that the electrolyte it uses is a polymer. 

Modern lithium polymer electrolytes use gels, which allow for good conductivity at room temperature. Most of these batteries also use microporous separators. Lithium polymer batteries require microporous separators instead of the more common porous separators used by standard types.

Lithium polymer batteries and lithium-ion batteries, using different manufacturing and packaging methods. Conventional lithium-ion batteries primarily use a cylindrical battery configuration or a box-type configuration known as a "prismatic" battery. 

Lithium polymer batteries use a foil pouch type format that has been described as similar to chewing gum packaging. These can be made slimmer than more traditional ones. This is very attractive to many manufacturers who have been looking for thinner and lighter devices; e.g. laptops, mobile phone manufacturers, etc.

Lithium polymer batteries use a foil case and laminate inside the battery. This makes the battery lighter-often about 20 percent or more in weight, in fact.

The construction techniques used for lithium-polymer batteries also allow them to be made in a variety of shapes, which is very attractive to cell phone and laptop makers that may need odd-shaped batteries to fit into their very compact devices.

Comparison of Lithium-Ion Batteries and Lithium Polymer Batteries


Can create very slim silhouettes.

Can be made into various shapes and contours.

Lightweight.

Higher energy density for a given weight (WH/kg).

Now manufacturing costs are getting lower and lower.

Bendable batteries are available.

The maximum operating temperature is higher.

Traditional Lithium-Ion Batteries

The higher energy density (WH/l) for a given volume.

Wider availability.

The cylindrical version offers the lowest cost per WH.

Lithium-polymer batteries offer several advantages over traditional lithium-ion battery technology. In most respects, the polymer version has slightly improved battery performance, but it also costs slightly more. You can choose according to your needs. If you need to buy lithium polymer, please contact us.

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