Batteries are essential devices used to power phones, laptops, and many other electronic devices. There are two major types of batteries: Li ion (Lithium ion) and Li Po (Lithium polymer) battery. In this article Li ion vs Li po, we have highlighted major differences, advantages, and disadvantages associated with these two batteries.
Li ion Vs Li Po – Comparison of Lithium Ion & Lithium Polymer
1. Difference Between Li ion and Li Po In Origin
Before invention of generators and electrical power, batteries were the major source of energy in 19th century. Inventors didn’t relax. Every year, they would find new ways of improving this technology. This led to invention of Lithium ion batteries. This battery began its development process between the years 1970-1980. It was later introduced in the market in 1991 by the great Sony Company in partnership with Asahi Kasei.
Similar to LI-ion batteries, Li- polymer studies and through research started in early 1980s. However, they fully evolved after commercialization on Li-ion batteries in 1991.
2. Difference Between Li ion and Li Po In Raw Materials
These batteries are designed with different materials. Lithium ion battery is made of a lithium Anode, Graphite cathode and a liquid electrolyte layer between electrodes.
Contrary, lithium polymer is made of negative, positive electrodes and a polymer electrolyte that is mostly found in three different forms: organic compound, solid or Silicon-Graphene gel–like material. Most of the solid polymer electrolytes used include; poly acrylonitrile, poly ethylene oxide and poly vinylidene fluoride among others.
3. Difference Between Li ion and Li Po In Sizes
Lithium polymer is way lighter than silicon lithium ion batteries. They are also thinner and smaller in sizes.
As seen earlier, Li-po batteries are made of silicon – graphene materials. These materials are naturally light in weight. Additionally, they have light, flexible, and foil-like protective cases. Therefore, they can be thinned to a thickness of 0.5mm making it small and easy to carry around. They are also easy to bend and reform to any shape as per the preference of the user. Note that, the thinner and lighter the LI-PO battery, the higher the efficiency.
Lithium ion batteries are heavier. They consist of a heavy liquid electrolyte and a metal protective cover. These components make them heavy and hard to remold into smaller and thinner sizes. Note that, the thicker the Li- ion battery, the higher inefficiency.
4. Difference Between Li ion and Li Po In Safety
Lithium polymer batteries are safe to use. They are made of rigid solid materials that prevent leakage and explosion problems.
Contrary, lithium ion batteries are prone to danger and explosions. Why? They consist of liquid electrolyte layers that easily leaks when exposed to high pressure or hot environments causing explosions. As a result, these batteries are fixed with electronic controller gargets to regulate power flow and prevent explosion in case of battery overheat.
5. Difference Between Li ion and Li Po in Density.
Lithium ion batteries have high power density compared to lithium polymer. That means, they can hold several power cells and still maintain their original shape and design. Lithium polymer, on the other hand, has low power density. They hold few power cells hence low amount of power stored.
6. Difference Between Li ion and Li Po In Life Span
Lithium ion batteries are fast in aging. I mean, they have a short life span. They are made of liquid ions that easily lose the ability to generate and pass energy. This makes the battery lose its charge easily.
Made of rigid solid materials, lithium polymer is slow in aging. In short, it hardly loses its ability to generate and transmit energy flow.
Which Is The Best Between Lithium-ion And Lithium-Polymer Battery?
More often than not, lithium polymer is better and preferred over lithium ion batteries. This is because it has several advantages over Li-ion battery.
It is important to know that each of these batteries has its own pros and cons
Advantages of Li-po over Li-ion
- Li-po is light in weight. They are made of light and comprisable materials making it easier to modify into smaller sizes. Consequently, these batteries are easily portable. Contrary, Li-ion is made of heavy materials that are hard to modify into smaller portable sizes.
- Li-po batteries are better in terms of safety compared to Li-ion batteries. They have rigid solid materials that hardly explode even when subjected to high temperatures. On the other hand, Li-ion easily explodes under high temperatures making them unsafe for use.
- Li-po batteries are long-lasting compared to li-ion batteries. They have hard materials that make them less prone to aging. Unlike them, Li-ion batteries have ions that easily lose ability to produce energy.
- These batteries are more convenient to manufacturers than Li-ion. Mobile phones, laptops, and notebooks have different shapes and sizes of battery space. Therefore, these batteries are flexible and easy to design to any shape and size to fit well in a respective device.
Advantages of Li-ion over Li-po
Are you a traveler? Do you experience high rate of power outrage in your locality? Then Li-ion is the best battery for your phone or laptop. As stated earlier, they have high power intensity. This guarantees high power storage on your device. Unlike Li-ion, Li-po has less power storage making it unfit for travelers.
- Li-ion batteries have no memory effects. In other words, they are easily rechargeable. They also have a high power storage capacity compared to Li-po.
- Li-ion battery is less expensive to manufacture. This makes it a better choice over Li-po batteries.
Final Take
li ion vs li po closing though, Lithium ion batteries are made with the latest technology making it suitable to use in devices like phones, laptops, digital cameras, torches among other latest accessories. However, they are hazardous and not preferred by many.
Li-po batteries are found in electric toys and car radios, headphones and Bluetooth devices. Spite the fact that they are costly to manufacture, these batteries are best and widely used compared to Li-ion.