While commanding a slight price premium compared to Lithium Ion,
Lithium-polymer batteries (Li-Polymer) offer several advantages. It
has a greater energy density in terms of weight than Lithium Ion.
In very thin cells (under 5mm) Lithium-polymer also provides higher
volumetric energy density. Additionally, there is more flexibility
in cell sizes and shape with Li polymer and a wider margin of
safety, with superior stability in over-voltage and high
temperature conditions.
To date, most Lithium-polymer applications are for widely used
consumer items like cell phones, MP3 players and many Bluetooth
enabled devices where low weight and small size are essential. Like
Li-ion, Lithium-polymer cells require protection circuitry.
Overall, rechargeable Lithium battery chemistries are the most
rapidly evolving—and their technology will continue to improve as
the need for ever smaller, lighter and more powerful portable
energy increases.
