Lithium vs. Lithium-Ion Batteries: What’s the Difference?

When people talk about “lithium batteries,” they often mean lithium-ion batteries. However, the two are not the same thing. Let’s break down the differences, the types of true lithium batteries, and why the confusion exists.

What Are Lithium Batteries?

In the strict sense, lithium batteries refer to cells that use metallic lithium or lithium alloys as the negative electrode material, paired with a non-aqueous electrolyte.

Lithium itself is the lightest known metal, with the lowest relative atomic mass and the most negative standard electrode potential. Thanks to these unique properties, lithium batteries have:

• High specific energy and voltage
• Stable discharge voltage
• Wide operating temperature range (-40°C to 50°C)
• Good low-temperature performance
• Long storage life

However, lithium is highly reactive and oxidizes quickly in air, which can cause battery failure. For this reason, the production, handling, and transport of lithium batteries must follow strict safety protocols.

Because of their light weight and high energy density, lithium batteries are used in specialized applications such as mobile electronics, electric vehicles, and large-scale energy storage.

What Are Lithium-Ion Batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries are a subtype within the lithium battery family. Unlike true lithium batteries, they don’t contain metallic lithium. Instead, they use:

• Carbon materials as the negative electrode
• Lithium-containing compounds as the positive electrode

These batteries rely on the movement of lithium ions (Li⁺) between electrodes during charging and discharging.

• During charging, Li⁺ ions move from the positive electrode, pass through the electrolyte, and intercalate into the negative electrode (making it lithium-rich).
• During discharge, the reverse happens, releasing stored energy.

Because of this constant ion movement, lithium-ion batteries are sometimes nicknamed “rocking chair batteries.”

Why the Confusion?

In everyday use, people casually refer to lithium-ion batteries in smartphones or electric vehicles as “lithium batteries.” Strictly speaking, that’s inaccurate—though the habit has become widespread.

To clarify:

• All lithium-ion batteries are lithium batteries (subtype).
• Not all lithium batteries are lithium-ion.

Types of True Lithium Batteries (Metallic Lithium Negative Electrode)

1. Li-MnO₂ Batteries
   • Negative electrode: metallic lithium
   • Positive electrode: heat-treated manganese dioxide (MnO₂)
   • Features: stable discharge voltage, wide operating temperature range, low self-discharge
   • Applications: computer motherboards, cameras, car key remotes
2. Li-SO₂ Batteries
   • Negative electrode: metallic lithium
   • Positive electrode: liquid sulfur dioxide (SO₂)
   • Features: high power output, excellent low-temperature performance, stable voltage, good safety
   • Applications: military equipment, smart instruments, marine monitoring, life-saving gear
3. Li-I₂ Batteries
   • Negative electrode: metallic lithium
   • Positive electrode: iodine (I₂) complex with polyethylene glycol pyridine
   • Features: long lifespan, high reliability
   • Applications: medical implants, especially pacemakers

Common Lithium-Ion Battery Applications

• Smartphones – Often use lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂) cathodes
• Electric vehicles (EVs) – Use lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) or ternary materials (nickel-cobalt-manganese, NCM)

Lithium-ion batteries generally offer higher energy density, longer cycle life, and better environmental performance compared to metallic lithium batteries, but they also require strict safety management due to risks like overheating or thermal runaway.

Conclusion

While “lithium batteries” and “lithium-ion batteries” are often used interchangeably, they are not identical. Lithium batteries with metallic lithium electrodes are mainly found in specialized fields like defense, medical devices, and emergency equipment. Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, dominate consumer electronics and EVs due to their energy density and rechargeability.

Understanding this distinction helps consumers and industries make informed choices based on performance, safety, and usage needs.

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