Contrasting Semi-Solid Lithium Ion and Lithium Polymer Batteries
Li-ion vs Li-po
A shift is occurring between Lithium Ion (Li-ion) and Lithium Polymer (Li-po) batteries. Semi-Solid Li-ion batteries are resolving traditional Li-ion vs. Li-po tradeoffs. For decades, the simple distinction between Li-ion and Li-po was easy to distinguish; namely that Li-ion delivered greater energy density and lifetime performance while Li-po offered fast charging and flexible form factors.
With the increasing availability of Semi-Solid Lithium Ion batteries (SSB) a new future is near at hand with All-Solid-State battery development. Let’s look now at some Li-ion SSB benefits over Li-po.
1. Semi-Solid Li-ion electrodes Semi-Solid Li-ion batteries (Li-ion SSB) utilize a semi-solid electrolyte that contains less liquid compared to traditional Li-ion batteries. This semi-solid electrolyte is a compromise between solidstate and liquid electrolytes, enhancing safety while maintaining reasonable ionic conductivity, moving us closer to the dry solids, gels or porous chemical compounds used in Li-po battery cells.
2. Semi-Solid Li-ion form factor Li-ion SSB are more rigid than Li-po but can be designed to be thinner and lighter than traditional Li-ion batteries. The semi-solid nature provides some flexibility in design but not as much as Li-Po.
3. Semi-Solid Li-ion energy density Li-ion SSB often has a higher energy density compared to Li-po batteries, providing more energy storage for the same volume or weight. The semi-solid electrolyte helps balance energy density and safety.
4. Semi-Solid Li-ion safety Li-ion SSB offer enhanced safety compared to traditional Li-ion batteries due to reduced liquid electrolyte, which lowers the risk of leakage and thermal runaway.
5. Semi-Solid Li-ion applications Li-ion SSB are more suitable for applications needing higher energy density and enhanced safety, such as advanced consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and portable power tools.
6. Semi-Solid Li-ion lifespan Li-ion SSB are expected to offer a longer lifespan than Li-po batteries due to improved thermal stability and reduced degradation from less liquid electrolyte.
7. Semi-Solid Li-ion charging time Li-ion SSB provide improved charging time when compared for traditional Li-ion batteries. Charge time may be comparable to or slightly longer than Li-po batteries, depending on the specific design and materials used.
To be fair and in summary, Lithium Polymer batteries still have a great role to play in select applications. However with the introduction of Semi-Solid Lithium-ion batteries we now enjoy a great advancement over traditional Li-ion batteries by incorporating less liquid electrolyte, which enhances safety while maintaining high energy density. The choice between SSB Li-ion and Li-po depends on the specific requirements for energy density, safety, form factor, and cost.
