Lithium-ion polymer (Li-ion Polymer)

History #

The first lithium-ion polymer battery was developed in the late 1970s by the British company, Pulsar. The technology was further developed in the 1980s by Bell Labs and Sony, who released the first commercial Li-ion Polymer battery in 1991. Since then, Li-ion Polymer batteries have become increasingly popular due to their high energy density, low weight, and long cycle life.

Typical Use #

Li-ion Polymer batteries are used in a wide range of applications, from consumer electronics to electric vehicles. They are particularly popular in mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, due to their high energy density and light weight. Li-ion Polymer batteries are also used in medical devices, military applications, and aerospace applications.

Design #

Li-ion Polymer batteries are composed of a polymer electrolyte, which is sandwiched between two electrodes. The electrodes are typically made of lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) or lithium iron phosphate (LFP). The electrolyte is typically a gel-like material, which can be composed of a variety of polymers, such as polyethylene oxide (PEO) or polyacrylonitrile (PAN).

The design of Li-ion Polymer batteries is quite different from traditional Li-ion batteries, which use a liquid electrolyte. The polymer electrolyte is much more stable and less prone to leakage, which makes Li-ion Polymer batteries safer and more reliable. The polymer electrolyte also allows for the use of thinner and lighter packaging, which makes Li-ion Polymer batteries more suitable for use in mobile devices.

Li-ion Polymer batteries also have a higher energy density than traditional Li-ion batteries, which means they can store more energy in a smaller package. This makes them ideal for use in devices that require a high energy density, such as electric vehicles.

Li-ion Polymer batteries also have a longer cycle life than traditional Li-ion batteries, which means they can be recharged and discharged more times before they need to be replaced. This makes them more cost-effective in the long run.

Charging #

Li-ion Polymer batteries are typically charged using a constant current/constant voltage (CC/CV) charging algorithm. This algorithm ensures that the battery is charged safely and efficiently. The charging process typically takes between 1-4 hours, depending on the size of the battery and the charging current.

Safety #

Li-ion Polymer batteries are generally considered to be safer than traditional Li-ion batteries, due to their polymer electrolyte. The electrolyte is much less prone to leakage, which reduces the risk of fire or explosion. Li-ion Polymer batteries also have built-in safety features, such as overcharge protection and short-circuit protection, which further reduce the risk of fire or explosion.