speciality batteries > lithium

Lithium, lithium-iodide and lead-iodide are used in cameras because of their ability to supply a constant power flow. With a very good power-to-weight ratio, Lithium batteries are often found in high-end laptop computers and cell phones.

 

 

While Lithium cells deliver higher voltage than Alkaline cells, capacity is not necessarily higher.

Lithium is the lightest of all metals. Lithium makes an ideal anode material as it can oxidize (give out electrons) better than any other material available for use in power cells. 

Unlike Zinc in alkaline cells, Lithium, due to its reactivity, cannot be processed into powdered form. Rather, to create high surface area, Lithium is formed into thin sheets, like tin foil. The solid cathode of Manganese dioxide is also formed into thin sheets, which is permeated by the electrolyte.

 

 

Lithium can also be used with either a solid or liquid cathode. When used with a solid cathode, lithium cells are highly stable. Lithium cells have other ideal characteristics:

	virtually unlimited shelf life- one measured in decades
	resistance to temperature changes
	materials needed to make them are widely available

 

Postives

Negatives

Long service life.	1.5-Volt lithium system is very often not as good a consumer value as 1.5 volt alkaline manganese.
Excellent storage life.
Good high-power performance.
Good low temperature performance.	High initial cost.
Excellent leakage protection.