What Is a Lithium Battery [Ultimate Guide]

Lithium batteries have revolutionised how people use and store energy, combining high efficiency, power, and versatility. You haven't realised how often we use lithium batteries daily. Today, lithium batteries are more popular than ever. You can find them in mobile phones, laptops, cordless power tools, and electric cars.

Lithium batteries can meet your needs, whether you are looking for batteries for electronic devices, electric vehicles, or renewable energy systems. While they have unique advantages, they also have some disadvantages that cannot be ignored. In addition, proper maintenance and storage methods can maintain their good performance.

This guide can help you understand lithium batteries and choose the best one for your needs. Lithium batteries are widely adopted in solar technology, including solar generators and portable power stations. We highly recommend Jackery Portable Power Station as the portable power supply to provide consistent and efficient electricity for your home and outdoor activities.

What Is a Lithium Battery? 

Lithium batteries, indispensable energy supply devices in modern electronic devices, have penetrated all aspects of people's lives. However, most people's understanding of lithium batteries may be limited to their widespread use.

Lithium batteries are divided into two categories based on whether they can be charged: lithium-metal and lithium-ion batteries. Due to their mature technology, lithium-ion batteries have been widely used in human daily life. Therefore, in most cases, the term "lithium battery" usually refers to lithium-ion batteries.

Components of Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries are mainly composed of the following parts:

In addition to the four main structures, lithium batteries have battery shells to accommodate and protect the internal components. These shells are usually divided into steel shells, aluminium shells, nickel-plated iron shells, and aluminium-plastic films. Lithium batteries are also usually equipped with battery protection boards to prevent overcharging, over-discharging, overcurrent, and short circuits.

How Does a Lithium Battery Work? 

It is based on the insertion and extraction of lithium ions in an electrochemical reaction. So, how do lithium batteries work? The working process of lithium batteries will be analysed as follows:

Discharging Process

During discharge, Li+ moves from the anode to the cathode through the diaphragm, and electrons cannot pass through the diaphragm. They can only move to the positive electrode through the negative electrode of the external circuit. (Electrons are negatively charged, and the direction of electrons is from the negative electrode to the positive electrode, and the current direction is from the positive electrode to the negative electrode.)

Charging Process

Lithium ions are moved through the electrolyte to the negative electrode and intercalated there. At this time, electrons reach the negative electrode through the external circuit and combine with lithium ions to form lithium atoms, thereby converting electrical energy into chemical energy for storage.

Lithium metal batteries use irreversible reactions (lithium metal directly participates in the redox reaction); lithium ions cannot be re-embedded in the positive electrode material. Therefore, they cannot be recharged and are classified as primary batteries.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Lithium Battery

Lithium batteries' unique advantages make them an essential player in the market, but some disadvantages cannot be ignored.

Advantages of Lithium Batteries

The following are the advantages of most lithium batteries:

High Energy Density: Lithium batteries have significantly higher energy density than most other types of batteries. Lithium batteries can store more electricity per unit volume and weight than other types of batteries, such as lead-acid batteries.

Low Self-Discharge Rate: Lithium-ion batteries retain their high capacity even after being idle for a while.

No Memory Effect: Users cannot fully discharge the lithium battery before charging but can charge it anytime.

Environmental Friendly: Compared with lead-acid batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, etc., which contain heavy metals, lithium batteries have less impact on the environment during use and disposal.

Disadvantages of Lithium Batteries

The following are the disadvantages of most lithium batteries:

Poor Security: Lithium batteries are easily affected by external conditions. Overcharging or over-discharging may cause them to catch fire or explode.

Higher Cost: Lithium batteries are relatively expensive when raw material prices fluctuate. They use scarce resources as positive electrode materials, reflected in energy storage and electric vehicles.

Difficulty in Recycling: The materials in lithium batteries require complex processing before they can be effectively recycled, which limits their sustainability to some extent.

Dependence on Scarce Resources: Some lithium battery materials require scarce metal resources, and large-scale mining will impact the environment.

What Are the Different Types of Lithium Batteries?

Lithium batteries can be divided into non-rechargeable lithium metal batteries and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, depending on whether they are rechargeable.

Lithium Metal Batteries

Lithium metal batteries use metallic lithium or lithium alloys as harmful electrode materials, manganese dioxide and other materials as positive electrode materials, and non-aqueous electrolyte solutions.

Because of their very active chemical properties, lithium metal batteries have high environmental requirements during processing, storage, and use. They are disposable and cannot be recharged. The following are different types of lithium metal batteries (different positive electrode materials):

Lithium-Manganese Dioxide Battery (Positive Electrode: Manganese Dioxide)

Lithium-manganese dioxide batteries are disposable and cannot be recharged, so they are often used in small electronic devices such as calculators and watches.

Lithium-Thionyl Chloride Battery (Positive Electrode: Thionyl Chloride)

Lithium-thionyl chloride batteries have incredibly long storage lives and high energy density. They are widely used in the military, aerospace, medical equipment, and other fields.

Lithium-Ferrous Sulfide Battery (Positive Electrode: FeS2)

Lithium-ferrous sulfide batteries have high theoretical energy density and low cost and are often used in industrial equipment and remote monitoring systems.

Lithium-ion Batteries

Due to their superior performance, lithium-ion batteries have always occupied an essential position in the market.

The following are different types of lithium-ion batteries (different positive electrode materials):

Lithium Cobalt Oxide Battery (Positive Electrode: LiCoO2)

Lithium cobalt oxide battery has a higher voltage platform suitable for high-power output devices (mobile devices, power tools, etc.).

Lithium Manganese Oxide Battery (Positive Electrode: LiMn2O4)

Lithium manganese oxide batteries have low cost, safety, and high-temperature resistance. They are often used in electric bicycles, power tools, energy storage systems, and other fields.

Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery (Positive Electrode: LiFePO4)

Due to the good environmental performance, long cycle life and high safety of lithium iron phosphate batteries, they are used in power tools, electric vehicles, energy storage systems and other fields. Jackery Portable Power Stations have LiFePO4 batteries to maintain a stable power supply.

Lithium Titanate Battery (Positive Electrode: Li4Ti5O12)

Lithium titanate batteries have long cycle life, high safety, and fast charging speed, and they are often used in electric buses, energy storage systems, and other fields.

In short, lithium batteries are divided into two categories: lithium metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries, depending on whether they can be recharged. Lithium-ion batteries have become the mainstream of the current lithium battery market due to their excellent performance and safety, while lithium-metal batteries are constantly being researched and improved.

Lithium Batteries VS. Other Batteries

The following will deeply compare the differences in performance, life and safety between lithium batteries, lead-acid batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries to help people better understand the advantages and disadvantages of these battery technologies and make more appropriate choices.

Performance Comparison

Higher energy density improves lithium batteries regarding device weight and battery life.

Although NiMH batteries have good capacity, they are larger and heavier than lithium batteries for the same amount of energy storage. While Lead-acid batteries offer considerable capacity, they are noticeably heavier and bulkier.

Lifespan Comparison

Lithium batteries are highly efficient, typically around 95-98% charge/discharge efficiency. They usually last between 800 and 1,200 cycles before experiencing significant capacity fade. In addition, their self-discharge rate is low, less than 5% per month.

NiMH batteries are moderately efficient, with a charge/discharge efficiency of around 70-80%. The number of cycles is usually around 500-800. In addition, they have a high self-discharge rate, losing approximately 20% to 30% of their monthly charge.

Lead-acid batteries have the lowest efficiency, generally around 70-85%. They also have a shorter cycle life, typically between 200 and 400 cycles. Due to their high self-discharge rate, they must be recharged regularly to maintain their charge.

Safety Comparison

Lithium batteries may present thermal risks (such as explosions) if damaged or mishandled, but they also pollute the environment less.

NiMH batteries contain fewer toxic substances than lead-acid batteries, but they contain metals such as nickel and must be handled and recycled responsibly. NiMH batteries are considered safe and stable compared to lithium batteries, with less risk of leakage and thermal runaway.

Lead-acid batteries contain toxic lead and sulfuric acid, which can seriously harm the environment. Although lead-acid batteries are generally safe, they can leak corrosive acid and release harmful gases.

The data in the table may vary due to brand, model, etc., so it is for reference only. To obtain more accurate data, please consult a professional.

Lithium, lead-acid, and nickel-metal hydride batteries offer performance, life, and environmental protection advantages. Therefore, when choosing a battery, you must consider the specific application requirements.

What Are Lithium Batteries Used for?

Nowadays, lithium batteries, as efficient and environmentally friendly energy storage devices, have penetrated all aspects of people's lives. Lithium batteries are vital in various fields, from smartphones to electric vehicles, home energy storage systems, and aerospace.

The following are the main applications of lithium batteries:

Consumer Electronics

Lithium-ion batteries are the first choice for manufacturers because of their compact size and lightweight characteristics. Therefore, almost all portable electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc., use lithium batteries as power sources.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and Backup Power Supply

Due to the characteristics of efficient energy storage, lithium batteries are ideal for UPS or emergency power backup, which can protect you from unstable power or power outages. For example, UPS systems use lithium batteries to ensure critical equipment and data centres remain operational, preventing data loss and system downtime.

Renewable Energy Storage

Lithium batteries have become an ideal choice for energy storage systems due to their efficiency and stable performance. First, lithium battery energy storage systems can balance the load of the power grid and improve its stability. Second, energy storage systems can serve as backup power sources to provide power support during power outages or power shortages.

For example, lithium batteries are perfect for storing energy in solar panels due to their fast charging process and charging methods.

Jackery Portable Power Stations use lithium battery cells to store more electricity and ensure working in temperatures between -14℉~104℉(-10℃-40℃), providing a stable power supply from summer to winter.

Aerospace

The aerospace industry relies on lithium batteries for many applications, from powering satellites and spacecraft to providing energy for commercial and military avionics systems. For example, the space shuttle's power system, the pilot's helmet display, and other devices rely on lithium batteries to ensure safe and reliable operation.

Jackery Portable Power Stations Explained

Lithium batteries, especially lithium-ion (including LiFePO4) batteries, have many advantages. They have a high energy density, which means they can store more energy than other batteries; they can last for many years and are safer than other batteries.  

Jackery Portable Power Station uses these lithium batteries to provide users with a consistent and stable power supply. Its industry-leading battery management system safeguards your charging devices with 12 layers of control, and its excellent fire and shock resistance allows you to use it confidently in any situation.

Up to 30% of its weight and dimensions are reduced compared to alternatives. It has an ergonomic handle design and is convenient to transport to any desired location. Jackery offers portable power solutions ranging from 99W to 12 kWh, capable of powering up to 99% of equipment, including phones, cameras, drones, portable speakers, electric hand warmers, etc.    

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2

First, we recommend Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 for powering your appliances. From its capacity to its design, it is suitable as a portable power supply to provide enough electricity for small to medium heating appliances.  

The Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station has an excellent 1500W output and 1070Wh capacity, 50% higher than the Explorer 1000. It can power high-demand items like portable space heaters, kettles, etc. Equipped with USB-A/C connections and dual PD charging up to 100W, it can simultaneously charge several devices (phone, laptop), rendering it the ideal companion for all your power requirements.

The app's Emergency Charge Mode allows the Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station to be fully charged in less than an hour, offering vital power backup when the battery runs low. Moreover, charging from 0% to 100% within two hours via an AC wall outlet prolongs battery longevity.

Experience serenity with its nearly silent operation, maintaining noise levels below 22dB while energising your devices. This power station guarantees uninterrupted enjoyment during camping, work, or relaxation so that you can power your electric blankets and other electronics without noise.  

The following are the working hours for using Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 (1070Wh) to power appliances:

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus

Compared to Explorer 1000 v2, the Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus is more powerful and has a higher expandable capacity from 1264Wh to 5 kWh. Its durable LiFePO4 battery and a 2000W full-power pure sine wave inverter supply sufficient energy for practically all essential devices. Notably, its capacity may be augmented to 5kWh by including up to three more battery packs.

The MPPT technology ensures 99% solar charging efficiency. A wall charge from 0% to 100% of the battery requires 100 minutes, whereas solar charging with four SolarSaga 200W solar panels necessitates 2 hours. With car charging capabilities, concerns over power disruptions will be alleviated.

In about 60 seconds, one may seamlessly connect solar panels to the power station, a procedure significantly more straightforward and user-friendly than traditional generators. Furthermore, it features a pass-through charging capability, allowing for device use while concurrently recharging via solar energy.

The following are the working hours for using Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus (1.26-5 kWh) to power appliances:

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus is the most powerful portable power station now, with a 2-to 12-kWh capacity. Adopting LiFePO4 battery packs, it is capable of powering a range of appliances indoors and outdoors. This powerhouse can hold up to five more battery packs and has a 12kWh capacity that can be expanded. It will power you for up to a week without using regular electricity, saving you money on your electric bill.

It is easy to use Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus; all you need to do is use connectors and cables to connect Jackery SolarSaga 200W solar panels to the Explorer 2000 Plus portable power station. Recharging Explorer 2000 Plus is easy; it only takes 2 hours to fully recharge it with wall socket or 25 hours with a carport. 

2 kWh: This is enough to charge some essential and small appliances, such as your phone, computer, TV, etc.

4 kWh: Power relative to higher appliances, such as the kettle, microwave, fridge, etc.

12 kWh: Capable of powering a house for a few days.

The Explorer 2000 Plus is centred on longevity and safety. Its 10-year lifespan is guaranteed by its LiFePO4 battery chemistry, and its cutting-edge ChargeShield Technology provides 62 layers of protection to protect your devices and prolong battery life.

The following are the working hours for using Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus (2-12 kWh) to power appliances:

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

How to Maintain and Store Lithium Batteries Correctly?

Many consumers may still question lithium batteries' adequate maintenance and storage-lithium batteries' proper maintenance and storage. Here are some key care and storage tips:

How to Properly Maintain Lithium Batteries?

Here are a few tips for properly maintaining lithium batteries:

Tip 1: Avoid Overcharging and Discharging

Please do not charge it continuously for extended periods (such as overnight). You should start charging when the power drops to 20% to 30% and unplug the charger when fully charged.

Tip 2: Choose the Correct Charger

Charging with mismatched current and voltage may damage the circuit system, so always ensure the charger matches the battery.

Tip 3: Suitable Charging Environment

Avoid charging in high-temperature, humid, or flammable environments. If the battery becomes hot during charging, stop charging immediately and replace it. In addition, chargers and batteries should be kept away from flammable areas such as bedrooms.

How to Store Lithium Batteries Correctly?

Here are a few tips for properly storing lithium batteries:

Tip 1: Suitable Storage Environment

Store lithium batteries in an environment away from heat sources and at a suitable temperature (the optimal temperature range is 4°C to 35°C). The place where lithium batteries are stored should be kept as dry as possible (relative humidity should not exceed 75%).

Tip 2: Sufficient Storage Space

Allow adequate space around the lithium battery to prevent damage from pressure.

Tip 3: Appropriate Power

Lithium batteries stored for a long time (the battery should be kept at 50%-80%) should be charged and discharged every 2 months to maintain the flow of electrons inside the battery.

Lithium Batteries FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the lithium batteries in the UK:

1. Is an AA battery a lithium battery?

AA batteries are not necessarily lithium batteries. Depending on the battery chemistry and design, they may be lithium, alkaline, or NiMH. The most common types of NiMH batteries (voltage is 1.2V) and AA batteries (voltage is 1.5V)are alkaline batteries.

2. What is the difference between regular and lithium batteries?

Regular batteries (usually lead-acid) differ significantly from lithium batteries in several ways.

Lithium batteries have a higher energy density, charge faster, have a longer service life, and can be recharged and used repeatedly. Ordinary batteries are more significant, heavier, and have a memory effect.

Regarding environmental protection, lithium batteries do not contain harmful metals such as mercury and lead. They are more environmentally friendly, while ordinary batteries may cause severe environmental pollution. In short, lithium batteries are superior to ordinary batteries in terms of performance and environmental protection.

3. What are the dangers of using lithium batteries?

Many people don't know that various safety risks accompany using lithium batteries. The leading causes of lithium battery spontaneous combustion or explosion include thermal runaway, short circuit, overcharge and over-discharge over-discharge, and mechanical damage.

Therefore, to reduce safety risks, lithium batteries should be used strictly according to safety regulations, regular products should be avoided and stored in high-temperature environments, and modification and improper charging should be prohibited.

Final Thoughts

In short, lithium batteries have surpassed the scope of traditional power sources and become the leader in energy storage technology. Whether it is carried in our hands as a portable device or driving environmentally friendly cars, the impact of lithium batteries is undeniable. Lithium batteries will continue to play a key role in shaping our future, enabling cleaner energy, more efficient transportation, and the seamless operation of countless devices and systems.