Batteries power everything from portable electronics to electric vehicles. Among the various battery chemistries available, lithium-based systems have taken center stage due to their exceptional energy density and efficiency.
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There are two main types of lithium-containing batteries: lithium-metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries. While both rely on lithium for energy storage, they differ significantly in their chemistry, structure, and functionality. Understanding these differences is essential for selecting the right battery for a given application.
Lithium Metal Batteries
Composition
A lithium metal battery is a non-rechargeable energy storage device that uses metallic lithium as its anode. The anode consists of pure metallic lithium, which provides a high-energy source for oxidation reactions.
The electrolyte is a non-aqueous solution containing lithium salts, such as lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), which facilitates the movement of lithium ions between electrodes. A separator made from a microporous membrane is placed between the anode and cathode to prevent short circuits while allowing ion flow.
How it Works
Lithium metal batteries generate electrical energy through the oxidation of lithium at the anode. As the battery discharges, lithium ions move through the electrolyte to the cathode, where they take part in reduction reactions.
Meanwhile, electrons released from the oxidation process travel through an external circuit, providing power to connected devices. Unlike rechargeable batteries, this reaction is one-way—once the stored energy is depleted, the battery cannot be recharged.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Composition
Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and operate by shuttling lithium ions between electrodes during charge and discharge cycles.
The cathode contains lithium-based compounds such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2), nickel-manganese-cobalt oxides (NMC), or lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4). These materials store and release lithium ions, influencing the battery’s capacity and energy density.
The anode is typically made of graphite, which efficiently absorbs and releases lithium ions. Silicon-based materials, which offer significantly higher theoretical capacities, are also being explored to improve energy density, though challenges such as volumetric expansion remain.
The electrolyte is a solution of lithium salts, most commonly LiPF6 dissolved in organic solvents. This liquid medium enables lithium ions to move between the electrodes. The electrolyte’s composition significantly influences the battery’s stability, cyclability, and temperature tolerance.
A microporous film, typically made of polypropylene or polyethylene, ensures safety by physically separating the electrodes while allowing the free passage of lithium ions.
How it Works
The functionality of a lithium-ion battery depends on the controlled movement of lithium ions between the cathode and anode. During discharge, the process reverses—lithium ions migrate back to the cathode, generating an electric current that powers devices.
This back-and-forth movement makes lithium-ion batteries rechargeable, allowing them to deliver energy repeatedly over many cycles.
What you should know about lithium-ion batteries
Key Differences Between Lithium Metal and Lithium-Ion Batteries
| Feature |
Lithium Metal Battery |
Lithium Ion Battery |
| Rechargeability |
Non-rechargeable |
Rechargeable |
| Energy Density |
Very high (>500 Wh/kg); high theoretical specific capacity (~3860 mAh/g); low electrochemical potential (-3.04 V relative to standard hydrogen electrode) |
High, but lower than lithium metal |
| Lifespan |
Limited cycle life (300-500 cycles)
Long shelf life (10 - 12 years)
|
Long cycle life (1000+ cycles)
Short shelf life (2 - 3 years)
Their lifespan depends on factors like usage conditions, temperature, and charging practices
|
| Cost |
Lower upfront, higher in long-term use |
Higher initial cost, lower over time due to rechargeability |
| Applications |
Low-power, long-lasting devices (e.g., pacemakers, smoke detectors, backup memory systems) |
High-drain, frequently recharged devices (e.g., smartphones, laptops, EVs, renewable energy storage) |
Safety
Safety is a major consideration for both battery types. Lithium metal batteries are highly reactive and prone to thermal instability, increasing the risk of overheating, fire, or even explosion. A key issue is dendrite formation—tiny lithium deposits that can grow on the anode and eventually pierce the separator, leading to internal short circuits.
Lithium-ion batteries incorporate built-in safety mechanisms, such as separators and circuit protection, to reduce these risks. However, they are not completely immune to safety concerns. Overcharging, physical damage, or exposure to extreme temperatures can lead to thermal runaway—a dangerous chain reaction where excessive heat causes further instability. Proper handling, storage, and safety features help mitigate these risks in lithium-ion systems.
To stay informed about the latest advancements in battery technology and safety, explore these resources:
References and Further Readings
Wang, Y.; Liu, B.; Li, Q.; Cartmell, S.; Ferrara, S.; Deng, ZD.; Xiao, J. (2015). Lithium and Lithium Ion Batteries for Applications in Microelectronic Devices: A Review. Journal of Power Sources. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378775315005984?via%3Dihub
Voropaeva, DY.; Safronova, EY; Novikova, SA.; Yaroslavtsev, AB. (2022). Recent Progress in Lithium-Ion and Lithium Metal Batteries. Mendeleev Communications. https://chooser.crossref.org/?doi=10.1016%2Fj.mencom.2022.05.001
Kim, S.; Park, G.; Lee, SJ.; Seo, S.; Ryu, K.; Kim, CH.; Choi, JW. (2023). Lithium‐Metal Batteries: From Fundamental Research to Industrialization. Advanced Materials. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36103670/
Qi, M.; Xie, L.; Han, Q.; Zhu, L.; Chen, L.; Cao, X. (2022). An Overview of the Key Challenges and Strategies for Lithium Metal Anodes. Journal of Energy Storage. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352152X21013165
Zeng, Q.; Chen, P.; Li, Z.; Wen, X.; Wen, W.; Liu, Y.; Zhao, H.; Zhang, S.; Zhou, H.; Zhang, L. (2021). Application of a Modified Porphyrin in a Polymer Electrolyte with Superior Properties for All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34636230/
Dunn, J.; Slattery, M.; Kendall, A.; Ambrose, H.; Shen, S. (2021). Circularity of Lithium-Ion Battery Materials in Electric Vehicles. Environmental Science & Technology.
Li, M.; Lu, J.; Chen, Z.; Amine, K. (2018). 30 Years of Lithium‐Ion Batteries. Advanced Materials. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.0c07030
Jiang, M.; Ma, Y.; Chen, J.; Jiang, W.; Yang, J. (2021). Regulating the Carbon Distribution of Anode Materials in Lithium-Ion Batteries. Nanoscale. https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2021/nr/d0nr09209f
Kim, J.; Adiraju, VA.; Chae, OB.; Lucht, BL. (2021). Lithium Bis (Trimethylsilyl) Phosphate as an Electrolyte Additive to Improve the Low-Temperature Performance for Lini0. 8co0. 1mn0. 1o2/Graphite Cells. Journal of The Electrochemical Society. https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1656&context=chm_facpubs
Rao, Z.; Wu, J.; He, B.; Chen, W.; Wang, H.; Fu, Q.; Huang, Y. (2021). A Prelithiation Separator for Compensating the Initial Capacity Loss of Lithium-Ion Batteries. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34342445/
Li, Z.; Huang, J.; Liaw, B. Y.; Metzler, V.; Zhang, J. (2014). A Review of Lithium Deposition in Lithium-Ion and Lithium Metal Secondary Batteries. Journal of power sources. https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2014JPS...254..168L/abstract
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