What is a lithium primary battery?

04 Nov.,2024

 

The Difference Between Primary Lithium ...

Lithium battery is a kind of battery that uses lithium metal or lithium alloy as negative electrode material and uses non-aqueous electrolyte solution.

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Lithium batteries are divided into two categories: non-rechargeable and rechargeable. Non-rechargeable batteries are called primary batteries, which can only convert chemical energy into electrical energy at one time, and cannot restore electrical energy back to chemical energy. Such as lithium-manganese dioxide primary battery, lithium-thionyl chloride primary battery. And rechargeable batteries are called secondary batteries (also called accumulators). It can convert electrical energy into chemical energy for storage, and when in use, convert chemical energy into electrical energy, which is reversible, such as the common lithium-ion mobile batteries on the market.


1. Lithium primary battery


Also called primary lithium battery. It can be discharged continuously or intermittently. Once the power is exhausted, it can no longer be used, and is widely used in electronic products with low power consumption such as cameras. Lithium primary batteries have very low self-discharge and can be stored for 3 years. The effect will be better when stored under refrigeration. It is a good idea to store lithium primary batteries in a low temperature place. Note: Lithium primary batteries are different from lithium ion batteries. Lithium primary batteries cannot be charged, and charging is very dangerous!


2. Lithium-ion battery


Also called secondary lithium battery. It can be stored for more than half a year at 20°C due to its low self-discharge rate and most of the capacity can be recovered.


The self-discharge phenomenon that exists in lithium batteries, if the battery voltage is kept below 3.6V for a long time, it will lead to over-discharge of the battery and damage the internal structure of the battery, reducing the battery life. Therefore, the long-term stored lithium battery should be recharged every 3 ~ 6 months, that is, it should be charged to a voltage of 3.8 ~ 3.9v (the best storage voltage of lithium battery is about 3.85v) and maintained at a discharge depth of 40% - 60%, rather than full. Batteries should be stored in a dry environment at 4°C~35°C or in moisture-proof packaging. Keep away from heat sources and do not place in direct sunlight.

Primary lithium batteries

Primary battery options: a look at lithium batteries

In a prior article, Battery categories and chemistries: an easy 20-minute primer, we discussed the two battery categories, primary batteries and secondary batteries, with a brief summary of the common cells in each group. We focused on alkaline batteries in our post, Primary battery options: a look at alkaline batteries.

The fact that primary batteries have an important role that rechargeable batteries cannot meet is often overlooked when we consider the convenience and savings of multiple-use rechargeable batteries. Together with alkalines, the broad family of primary lithium cells dominate primary batteries in both popularity and usage. The use of primary lithium batteries facilitates saving and preserving lives where rechargeability is otherwise impractical or difficult. Life-dependent situations during wartime and life-saving operations like rescue missions serve as examples. Life-sustaining devices such as implantable service pacemakers are powered by lithium batteries. Their low operational requirement of just 10&#;20 microamperes (µA) allow them to operate 5&#;10 years before replacement is necessary.

Everyday consumer and industrial needs also commonly rely on primary batteries for convenience and practicality, some exclusively; for example, remote controls, electric keys, children&#;s common toys, drill bits used in mining, smart meters, and vehicle pressure gauges are often powered by disposable lithium or alkaline cells. Primary lithium cells, often small coin-shaped CR batteries, are used to power motherboard C-MOS of nearly all computers and laptops. It is a good example of a widespread consumer-level, power application where a rechargeable battery would be impractical.

 

Primary lithium batteries


Lithium batteries describe a family of varying cell chemistries. With the consumer drive toward rechargeables, we often think of lithium cells in terms of the secondary rechargeable types, known as lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Primary lithium cells are made for single-use and disposal and are collectively known as lithium-metal cells. In common with li-ion, they use lithium for the anode (the negative electrode). Their principle difference lies in the material used for the cathode (the positive electrode), the most common of which is manganese, but could also consist of carbon, sulfur, iron, polymer, or other material.

Let&#;s take a brief look at some of the more common primary lithium-metal batteries.


Lithium-iron disulfide batteries (Li-FeS2)


Matching the 1.5-voltage of alkaline batteries, the lithium-iron disulfide is the newest addition to the primary lithium sub-family and can meet and exceed the needs of any application requiring 1.5-volt AAA or AA alkaline batteries. In most cases, it will outperform the alkaline cell in nearly every way. A lithium AA battery can outlasts an alkaline battery by up to six times when used in a high drain application such as a digital camera. It boasts a higher operating voltage, improved stability, and a lower resistance than standard alkaline cells. Additional advantages of the lithium-iron disulfide battery include low temperature performance and improved leak resistance, and a shelf life of 15 years due to its low self-discharge rate.

While on might be tempted to replace their spent alkaline batteries with this chemistry, as expected with all battery types, there are a few drawbacks. First, they do cost a bit more but still well-affordable. Second, their transport is restricted. Bulk shipments are prohibited by both the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). With few exceptions, most airlines restrict quantities to two grams per passenger carryon. Li-FeS2 batteries contain about 0.98 grams of lithium per cell, which allows for just two spare batteries. These regulations reflect the dangers associated with mishandling of lithium batteries in general. Leaks and explosions can, under certain conditions, result from mismatching a depleted cell, adding a foreign cell, or even inserting it backwards in the battery bay.

 

Lithium-thionyl chloride batteries (LiSOCI2 or LTC)


Often found in horizontal drilling (i.e., fracking) applications because of its ability to withstand high vibration and heat generated, the lithium-thionyl chloride battery is among the toughest and most powerful lithium-metal batteries available.  LTC batteries have a nominal voltage of 3.6 volts per cell, but like alkalines, their moderately high resistance limits their application to moderate discharge loads; however, the LTCs exceed 500Wh/kg (watt hours per kilogram) in specific energy rating, which means it offers twice the capacity of nearly any rechargeable Li-ion. The runtime of lithium-thionyl chloride batteries are additionally determined by other factors, including load pattern and thermal condition.

Due to safety concerns, LTC batteries are neither found in consumer devices, nor available as a civilian general-purpose battery. Their use is relegated primarily to industrial equipment, medical and sensor applications, and military devices such as mines and fuses. The potent chemistry of LTC batteries calls for handling by trained professionals.

 

Lithium-manganese dioxide batteries (LiMnO2 or Li-M)


Where LTCs fail to address consumer needs, the similar lithium-manganese dioxide battery is available for civilian use. In fact, it is the most commonly used primary lithium, dominating nearly 80% of the primary lithium battery market and produced by all major battery manufacturers. Among its advantages are its affordability, long service life, low-drain, and ability to also handle high pulse currents.  The Li-M cell runs at 3&#;3.3V and a specific energy of well over half its LTC counterpart, or 280Wh/kg. It is typically used in sensors, medical devices, photography equipment, as well as watches. The prefix &#;C&#; in the common CR battery typically found on computer motherboards and watches, is a designation used to indicate its lithium chemistry. Usually, this coin cell battery is of the lithium-manganese dioxide chemistry.

As with all lithium batteries, extra care must be exercised to protect them from short circuiting, electrical or physical abuse, and heat. Additional regulations apply to their transportation and disposal.

 

Lithium-sulfur dioxide batteries (LiSo2)


Lithium sulfur dioxide batteries are primarily used in defense applications that require large quantities of this battery, and medical devices such as cardiac defibrillators. It is a cylindrical shaped cell that delivers 2.8 volts in A, C, and D battery formats, and features a 5&#;10-year expected shelf life when properly stored at ambient room temperature. LiSo2 batteries are capable of delivering repeated power bursts, and like their siblings, boast a high energy density of 330Wh/kg. While lithium sulfur dioxide batteries are cost-effective to manufacture, they are increasingly being supplanted by the superior Li-M cell. The battery gets its name from its cathode which consists of porous carbon filled with sulfur dioxide.

 

This table summarizes some of the important characteristics of the four discusses primary lithium batteries. Alkaline is included for comparison.

Chemisty

Alkaline

Lithium-iron disulfide

Lithium-thionyl chloride

Lithium-manganese dioxide

Lithium-sulfur dioxide

Chemical short name

N/A

LiFeS2

LiSOCI2 or LTC

LiMnO2 or Li-M

LiSo2

Specific energy

200Wh/kg

300Wh/kg

500Wh/kg

280Wh/kg

330Wh/kg

Voltage

1.5V

1.5V

3.6&#;3.9V

3&#;3.3V

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2.8V

Power

Low

Moderate

Excellent

Moderate

Moderate

Passivation*

N/A

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Safety

Good

Good

Precaution

Good

Precaution

Pricing

Low

Economical

Industrial

Economical

Industrial

Shelf life

10 years

15 years

10&#;20 years

10&#;20 years

5&#;10 years

Operating temperature

0°C to 60°C

0°C to 60°C

-55°C to 85°C, higher for short duration

-30°C to 60°C
or if enabled
-55°C to 90°C

-54°C to 71°C

Typical application

Consumer devices.

Replaces alkaline where higher power and extended runtime needed.

Fracking. Not for consumer use.

Meter sensing,
medical devices, road toll sensors, cameras.

Defense. Gradual migration to
LiMnO2.

Formats

Various cylindrical A, AA, AAA, AAAA, C, D, 9V; button and coin cells.

Mainly cylindrical AA and AAA.

Various cylindrical, cuboid, wafer.

Various cylindrical A, AA, C, D; button and coin cells; cuboid.

Primarily cylindrical A, C, and D.

*Passivation is a very thin, resistant layer that forms on the lithium anode surface that serves to inhibit lithium degradation and minimize the self-discharge rate of lithium batteries.

 

For more about other primary batteries check out:

Primary battery options: a look at alkaline batteries

 

Contact us to discuss your requirements of lithium primary battery. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.