To choose the best battery for your device, you must grasp the significant distinctions between lithium and alkaline batteries. To help you understand how each one functions, we compare important factors including durability, general performance, and energy production.
Types:
Alkaline batteries, Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), and Lithium batteries are the three types of batteries that are most often utilised. These batteries have unique features due to the use of various metals and electrolytes, making them appropriate for usage in a variety of settings.
Lithium battery fundamentals
Anode (negative terminal), cathode (positive terminal), electrolyte (conductive substance), and a separator are used by all batteries, even lithium-ion types, to keep the two electrodes apart. Charged lithium ions move from the anode to the cathode when the battery is in operation. Until all the ions have gone from one side to the other, this transfer produces electricity. Ions return to the anode during a lithium battery charge and are reused there.
Alkaline battery fundamental:
Alkaline batteries operate similarly to lithium-ion batteries, except ion transfer only occurs in one way. The battery will lose voltage as it empties as ions flow from the anode to the cathode, and the system cannot be recharged. Zinc serves as the anode while manganese dioxide serves as the cathode in the majority of ordinary alkaline batteries. While not as dependable as lithium, some types, such as those derived from nickel and cadmium, are rechargeable.
Comparison Comparison between lithium vs alkaline batteries
Voltage:
You may use the voltage to estimate the battery’s electrical potential before you buy one. Lithium batteries can unquestionably satisfy your wants if you’re looking for a high voltage battery. They have a nominal voltage of 3.0 volts, compared to alkaline batteries’ 1.5 volts.
Lithium batteries outperform alkaline batteries by a factor of two, which is obvious. The triumph of lithium batteries may be further enhanced by the fact that they can be combined to produce battery packs with 72 or even higher voltages. Lithium batteries may therefore be completely trusted to power up electrically demanding gadgets.
Capacity:
When comparing energy density, lithium batteries are undeniably superior to alkaline batteries. Alkaline batteries provide an energy density of 50–100 wh/kg, but lithium batteries promise a twofold energy density of 260–270 wh/kg.
An AA alkaline battery has a maximum capacity of 2850 mAh in terms of energy storage. Due to the close similarities between the AA alkaline battery and the lithium-ion 14500, we will compare their capacities. The lithium-ion 14500 has a capacity range of 1000 mAh to 3,000 mAh, depending on the model.
Charge cycle:
The number of charging cycles is what matters most (for rechargeable batteries). When it comes to lithium batteries, they provide 300 to 500 charge cycles for 4.2V/cells, 600 to 1,000 charge cycles for 4.1V/cells, 1,200 to 2,000 charge cycles for 4.0V/cells, and 2,400 to 4,000 charge cycles for 3.9V/cells.
Price:
Alkaline batteries are far less expensive than lithium batteries since they are often disposable and made of inexpensive materials.
Although lithium batteries are five times more expensive than alkaline batteries, they have a lifespan of 8 or even 10. Additionally, whereas alkaline batteries decline their voltage output throughout performance, lithium batteries keep their full voltage virtually until the end of their charge life. This certainly increases the cost-effectiveness of lithium ions for each use.
Performance:
However, compared to their alkaline predecessors, lithium batteries, also known as lithium iron disulfide batteries, have a number of distinguishing benefits. For high-tech and smart gadgets as well as other electronics where replacing the battery is difficult, lithium batteries are an excellent option due to their extended lifespan.
In addition to being the greatest battery for high temperatures, lithium batteries also offer a high energy density. In any industrial context, the majority of electrical equipment must run continuously for a lengthy period of time; this usage is predicted to raise the battery’s temperature.
Why should we choice lithium batteries instead of alkaline batteries?
Life span:
A lithium battery has a four times longer lifespan than an equivalent alkaline battery. A lithium battery typically has 4000 cycles, compared to an alkaline battery’s 300 cycles. Because the alkaline battery loses roughly 5% of its capacity every day, it lasts less time. Even while not in use, this battery degrades.
Alkaline batteries typically have a lifespan of 10 years, but lithium batteries have a lifespan of 15 years.
Lighter Weight:
With the highest energy density of any battery cell, lithium batteries are made of this very light metal. As a result, they have a higher energy capacity than alkaline batteries or any other single-use battery of a similar size. Additionally, they work admirably in both hot and cold environments.
Cost Saving:
Although lithium batteries are five times more expensive than alkaline batteries, they have a lifespan of 8 or even 10. Additionally, whereas alkaline batteries decline their voltage output throughout performance, lithium batteries keep their full voltage virtually until the end of their charge life. This certainly increases the cost-effectiveness of lithium ions for each use.
Is it OK to use lithium batteries instead of alkaline?
In the majority of devices that use disposable batteries, a lithium battery may be used in place of an alkaline battery. Compared to alkaline batteries, lithium batteries provide a number of benefits, including a longer shelf life, greater voltage, and improved performance in low-temperature settings.
Where we can find the best lithium battey manufacturer?
Lithium battery manufacturer Redway Power focuses in creating all different kinds of lithium batteries. You are welcome to stop by the product centre to see if there are any batteries available that will work for you. Alternately, you might email a query to the Redway Power technical team.
