Aactually speaking,both batteries are using same positive and negative electrode materials,and the working principle of the battery is basically the same. We try to let you know about the key differences.
The key differences between Li-ion (Lithium-ion) and Li-polymer (Lithium-polymer) batteries include:
Structure and Form:
- Li-ion batteries use a liquid electrolyte, which makes them rigid and typically encased in a hard metal shell.
- Li-polymer batteries use a solid or gel-like electrolyte, rihgt now, gel-like electrolyte mostly used, it is also called pouch cell battey, as it likes a pouch, allowing them to be flexible and come in soft packaging, which makes them more adaptable in terms of shape and size.
Energy Density:
Li-ion batteries usually offer a higher energy density, meaning they can store more energy in a smaller, lighter form compared to Li-polymer batteries.
Safety:
Li-polymer batteries are considered safer than Li-ion because their solid-state design is less prone to leakage and explosions, although both can still pose risks if damaged or improperly used.
Cost:
Li-ion batteries tend to be less expensive than Li-polymer due to their simpler manufacturing process.
Weight:
Li-polymer batteries are generally lighter than Li-ion batteries due to their flexible, lightweight casing, which can be an advantage in mobile devices.
Performance:
Li-ion batteries are better for high-energy applications where long battery life is important, while Li-polymer batteries are often chosen for their compact, customizable form and improved safety features.
More flexible in terms of design:
Li-polymer batteries can be designed their shape to fit the limited space in devices. like round shape, L shape, curved shape,semicircle shape or other irregular shape as per design requirements. It can be widely used for bellow applications,
- Wearable Devices: Li-polymer batteries are ideal for smartwatches, fitness trackers, and other wearables because they can be molded into ultra-thin, lightweight designs that fit comfortably on the wrist or other parts of the body.
- Slim Smartphones and Tablets: High-end smartphones and tablets that require slim, sleek profiles often use Li-polymer batteries. Their flexible form factor allows them to fit into tight spaces without compromising battery capacity.
- Drones: Drones often use Li-polymer batteries because they can be customized to the drone’s unique shape and size requirements, while also being lightweight enough to avoid adding excessive bulk.
- Flexible and Foldable Electronics: For devices like foldable smartphones or flexible displays, Li-polymer batteries can be engineered into unconventional shapes to fit around or within the foldable components, enhancing the design’s overall compactness and portability.
- Medical Devices: Compact, portable medical devices, such as insulin pumps or pacemakers, use Li-polymer batteries since they can be customized to fit within small, irregularly shaped casings.
In short, Li-ion batteries are more energy-dense and cheaper, while Li-polymer batteries are safer, lighter, and more flexible in design.
Which battery is widely used for applications?
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are more widely used in most applications compared to Lithium-polymer (Li-polymer) batteries. This is due to their higher energy density, lower cost, and better overall performance for many devices. Li-ion batteries are commonly found in:
- Smartphones
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Electric vehicles
- Power tools
- Energy storage systems
Li-polymer batteries, although lighter and more flexible in terms of design, are typically used in specialized applications like:
- Wearable devices
- Drones
- Slim smartphones
- Ultrathin laptops
While Li-polymer batteries have advantages in terms of weight and flexibility, Li-ion batteries dominate the market because they provide better energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness for most everyday consumer electronics.
Which battery is safer?
Lithium-polymer (Li-polymer) batteries are generally considered safer than Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Here’s why:
- Electrolyte: Li-polymer batteries use a solid or gel-like electrolyte, reducing the risk of leakage and making them less prone to issues like fire or explosion. In contrast, Li-ion batteries contain a liquid electrolyte, which can leak or cause overheating under certain conditions.
- Flexible Design: The flexible casing of Li-polymer batteries is less likely to rupture or be damaged compared to the rigid metal casing of Li-ion batteries. This flexibility can contribute to safety, especially in portable and compact devices.
- Thermal Stability: Li-polymer batteries tend to be more thermally stable, meaning they handle higher temperatures better than Li-ion batteries. This makes them less susceptible to overheating and thermal runaway (a condition where the battery rapidly overheats and may catch fire).
However, it’s important to note that both Li-ion and Li-polymer batteries can pose safety risks if they are damaged, improperly charged, or exposed to extreme conditions. Li-polymer batteries are considered safer in general, but proper handling is crucial for both types.
Which battery is high-c rate battery?
Lithium-polymer (Li-polymer) batteries typically have a higher C-rate compared to Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. The C-rate indicates how quickly a battery can be charged or discharged relative to its capacity. A higher C-rate means the battery can deliver or absorb energy more quickly.
Li-polymer batteries are often designed for high-performance applications, such as drones, RC vehicles, and other devices that require fast charging and rapid power delivery. These applications benefit from the higher C-rate that Li-polymer batteries can offer,like 20C,50C,60C.
Li-ion batteries, while they have a high energy density, typically have a lower C-rate, making them less suitable for applications that demand quick bursts of power or rapid charging, like 3C,5C,8C,10C.
In summary:
- Li-polymer batteries: Higher C-rate, better for high-drain, high-performance applications.
- Li-ion batteries: Lower C-rate, more suited for longer, steady power output.
Which battery cycle life is better?
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries generally have a better cycle life compared to Lithium-polymer (Li-polymer) batteries. Cycle life refers to the number of complete charge and discharge cycles a battery can go through before its capacity significantly degrades (typically to around 80% of its original capacity).
Here’s how the two compare:
- Li-ion batteries: Typically have a cycle life ranging from 500 to 1,000 cycles or more, depending on the quality of the battery and usage conditions. They are better suited for applications requiring long-term use and consistent performance over many cycles, like laptops, smartphones, and electric vehicles.
- Li-polymer batteries: Tend to have a shorter cycle life, usually ranging from 300 to 500 cycles. While they are advantageous in terms of flexibility and safety, they generally degrade faster under repeated charge and discharge cycles.
In summary, Li-ion batteries usually offer a longer cycle life, making them more durable for devices that need sustained battery performance over a long period.
If you have any other questions on this topic, kindly please contact us, we would like to offer you more professional ideas, and let you know more about these two batteries.
