Li-ion-Polymer batteries Advantages and disadvantages!

Lithium-polymer batteries (Li-Pol, or Li-Polymer) Modern developments in the field of lithium-based technologies have led to the appearance of Li-Pol batteries in ultra-compact cases (thickness less than 4 mm) with simplified installation of the crystal in the case (high voltage at the terminals ) element allows you to make portable power sources with only one cell). The relatively low internal resistance of single-cell batteries with a combined electrolyte allows high current to be delivered during short load pulses. Attempts to solve some problems with Li-ion batteries led to the appearance of lithium-polymer batteries (Li-Pol or Li-Polymer). Li-Polymer batteries differ from Li-Ion in the type of electrolyte used. The first batteries using dry and solid polymer electrolytes were developed back in the 70s, but the first commercial batteries labeled Li-Polymer appeared recently. The essence of the technology is the application of an electrolyte on a plastic film, which itself does not conduct electricity, but allows the unhindered exchange of ions (electrically charged atoms or groups of atoms). Roughly speaking, the polymer electrolyte replaces the traditional porous separator, which is impregnated with a liquid electrolyte. The dry polymer design ensures a small thickness of the cell (up to 1 mm), relative ease of manufacture and safety of use (the absence of a liquid or gel electrolyte eliminates the possibility of poisoning or burns). Equipment developers are free to choose the shape, contours and sizes of such batteries, up to their implementation in clothes, shoes or some unconventional designs. However, due to technical difficulties in production, the advantages of new batteries cannot be fully manifested, and the promised advantage of lithium-ion polymers has not yet been fully realized. In fact, the energy capacity of the new batteries is slightly lower than conventional Li-Ion batteries, and the price is higher. The main reason for the transition to polymer technologies is the reduction of battery sizes. The main field of application of Li-Pol batteries today is mobile phones, headsets, players, laptops, netbooks, in general, all portable equipment, where increasing safety, reducing the size and weight of devices is a very significant incentive for choosing this technology. Advantages of lithium-polymer batteries: a significant reduction in size and weight - the possibility of manufacturing batteries the size and thickness of a credit card (metal case is optional); the possibility of flexible shape change - a battery of any reasonable size and capacity can be implemented; improved safety - the battery is more resistant to overloads, practically not prone to electrolyte leaks. Disadvantages of lithium-polymer batteries: energy capacity is lower than that of Li-Ion; the most complex miniature control schemes; high temperature for optimal operation - from 60 to 100 °C; deep discharge negatively affects the internal structure of the battery; high cost (higher than Li-Ion).