Which is better, lithium polymer battery or lithium ion battery?

These batteries have soft shells that make them lighter hence used in devices such as remote controlled vehicles and mobiles , power banks, electronic cigarettes, thin laptops and other wireless controllers.

Lithium polymer battery has both anode and cathode similar to that of lithium ion, the difference is that it uses a gel-like electrolyte. In addition it also uses a plastic aluminum film on its outer casing which makes it lightweight and thin and easily preferred by customers.

A lithium ion battery is a rechargeable battery that uses liquid electrolytes and contains multiple lithium ion cells. The lithium ion battery is very popular and used to charge the majority of the devices we use today such as mobile phones , laptops, ipods and electric vehicles among others.

Lithium ion batteries are better than lithium polymer batteries for many reasons. Lithium ion batteries are: lighter than other batteries and have high energy density. Unlike lithium polymer batteries, lithium ion batteries use a liquid lithium compound as its electrode.

Advantages of lithium polymer battery

1.It is compact in size  and lightweight.

This enables the battery to be used in devices that have less weight, they include; smart watches, very thin laptops and smartphones.

2. It is safe

Most of the lithium polymer batteries are safe to use and store as they do not easily explode like those of lithium ion batteries

3. Has high specific energy

Compared to other lithium batteries, polymer batteries give a very high specific energy.

4.Has a high capacity

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High capacitor batteries like these hold high power for use.

5. Does not lose charging capacity easily.

 This battery has a very short charging time and compared to lithium ion batteries, it has a higher lifespan and does not lose its charging capacity fast.

6. High energy density

Comparing lithium polymer to other batteries such as nickel-cadmium, both would have the same volume but due  to the high energy density of lithium its weight is half.

8.customizable shape

Unlike other batteries, lithium polymer batteries can have their shapes adjusted according to customer demand. This makes it advantageous as the capacity of the battery is improved depending on the size tailored.

9.Long Cycle life

Lithium polymer battery can have more than 500 charging and discharging times

10.No pollution

This is one of the safest batteries as there is no discharge that is harmful to people or the environment.

Advantages of Lithium-ion Batteries

1.Lithium ion batteries have more charge and discharge cycles.

Some batteries can not handle these types of cycles due to how they are built, but LIBs can withstand the cycles and be in good shape after.

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2.They hold their charge very well

Once charged, LIBs can keep their charge for a good amount of time before they lose it or it's used up. For example, Most of these batteries lose around 5% of charge every month compared to lithium polymer batteries which lose about 20% in each month.

3.Can easily be recharged

lithium ion batteries can be recharged before they are completely discharged and still maintain a healthy battery life. Other batteries would require them to be fully discharged before they got charged again.

4.Can Store more electricity 

Lithium ion batteries can store only 150  W/H of electricity per kg of battery while other batteries can do 25 W/H.

      5.Drop in replacement

These batteries can be found in standard industry sizes.

      6. Long shelf life

            Lithium ion batteries maintain a good state of charge as it discharges slowly.

      7. Long lasting

        In comparison with other types of batteries, lithium ions can last up to 5 years In pretty good condition. 

     8. Quick and efficient

Lithium has a high fast charge which minimizes downtime.

What is the difference between a lithium polymer battery and lithium ion battery?

A lithium-ion battery as mentioned earlier is a rechargeable battery which is made up of three components; a negative electrode, a positive electrode and an electrolyte .The first big difference is the electrolyte in lithium-ion and lithium polymer batteries, where in lithium polymer the electrolyte is solid or gel-like while in lithium-ion its in liquid form.

There is a big difference between the two batteries, which range from the size, composition, use ,cost, duration,weight,safety,cell voltage, life and density among others.

As the table below indicates Lithium polymer battery is ; small, expensive, light weight, short, stable and safe from explosion. Lithium-ion battery is different the other side as it is; big, cheap, heavier,long, unstable and highly explosive.

Which one is better?

Both batteries have their pros and cons and they are both good in their ways. For example as discussed above, lithium-ion has a very high power density, low cost, efficiency and also its bad as it's unstable, it's not durable and its heavy hence cannot be used in small devices and can also explode when overcharged or put in a risky environment like too much sun. To answer the question which one is better, this depends on the use and other factors mentioned above.

Conclusion

Depending on your need and preference you can choose to use either lithium-ion batteries or lithium polymer batteries. Just as discussed above your choice can range from cost, size, charge duration, safety, weight and density among others. It is important therefore to know the type of battery you want and for what purpose.

These two batteries are used in making laptops, and other applications which need individual customization in terms of shape, voltage, size and capacity. Lithium polymer is getting a high demand in the market due to its safety,lightweight and its affordability.