Lithium batteries, as the name implies, run on soft alkaline metal called lithium. This natural material is the lightest of all known metals. It is lighter than water, therefore, has buoyancy, and not only in aqueous solutions, but even in kerosene. Accordingly, lithium has the broadest electrochemical potential, which allows us to safely consider it the most active metal.
Lithium batteries created on its basis have low mass-dimensional indicators, as well as a fairly high value of energy density.
The main advantages that each lithium battery has are:
Low value of self-charging current. This allows you to increase the service life in the inactive state several times in comparison with alkaline analogues.
There is no need for periodic recharge from an external energy source.
There is practically no loss of capacity at low ambient temperatures, which makes lithium batteries indispensable in the Far North.
Long term of operation.
Low weight.
Manufacturers produce lithium batteries with different chemical composition, which allows to obtain products oriented to different operating voltage, as well as having different energy intensity.
The most common are lithium batteries of the following types:
1. Li-MnO2 with a rated voltage of 3 V. The most common type. It has high capacities and a significant temperature range of use. Able to give a current of significant magnitude.
2. Li-FeS2 or lithium iron disulfide batteries. Available at 1.5 V and are a great alternative to saline and alkaline batteries. The small value of the rated voltage allows you to directly use them in devices.
The advantages of this type of battery are as follows:
A) The service life is about 4 times longer than alkaline batteries.
B) Weight is reduced by 30%.
C) The return of a large current.
D) The shelf life exceeds 10 years.
There is only one drawback: high cost.
3. Li-ion or lithium-ion batteries. Available in the range of rated voltages from 3.5 to 4 V. In power supplies of this type, lithium metal is replaced by its ions, which makes their operation safer. This type of battery has the ability to recharge, so they are often called batteries. They are not subject to the so-called "memory effect" and have high energy performance. In inactive mode, self-discharge occurs, which is about 5 percent per month. Sensitive to high temperatures.
Since lithium is an active metal, lithium batteries are often hampered by special safety requirements. This metal actively interacts with water, resulting in the evolution of hydrogen and alkali. In addition, mixing with oxygen must not be allowed, as this can lead to an explosion.