Apr 02, 2024

Alkaline VS lithium batteries: The difference and comparison guide

With so many options, it's important to select batteries that work with your gadget's specifications. There are two primary categories of batteries:

Alkaline batteries

Lithium batteries

What exactly differentiates the two? Which one do you think is best for you? You may learn more about it by reading this article.

Lithium batteries 101:

Different lithium batteries, such as lithium cobalt oxide, lithium manganate, lithium nickel oxide, ternary materials, lithium iron phosphate, etc., are currently available on the market.

The lithium battery cells can be classified as either cylindrical or prismatic.

The material can be broken down into two distinct battery types: ternary lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate.

Depending on its capacity, a cell can store many forms of energy.

Alkaline batteries 101:

Although they are functionally equivalent to lithium batteries, alkaline batteries can only move ions in one direction. Because the battery's voltage drops as ions migrate from the anode to the cathode, the system can't be charged. Zinc is used in the anode and manganese dioxide is used in the cathode of most commercially available alkaline batteries. Nickel and cadmium batteries, for example, can be recharged but are not as dependable as lithium ones.

Lithium batteries features and benefits:

Reusability. Unlike most alkaline batteries, lithium cells can be charged and used over and over again. No matter how often they are used, these batteries usually last for two to three years.

Stability of output. Since lithium ions can move between both electrodes, these batteries don't lose energy as they work. Even though older models may not be as efficient, the amount of electricity should be the same whether the battery is full or almost empty.

Can be made to fit your needs. Lithium batteries can be made to fit different needs, while alkaline batteries come in normal sizes. For example, a small model may work well in a digital camera, but a large piece of portable medical equipment needs a bigger battery option.

Alkaline Batteries features and benefits:

Can be reused. The process for recycling lithium-ion batteries is very hard, and many recycling places don't do it. It is a lot easier to recover alkaline batteries.

Cost not too expensive. Alkaline batteries cost much less than lithium batteries because they are mostly one-time-use things made of cheap materials.

Less chance of fire. When lithium batteries get broken, they can start a fire. Alkaline batteries, on the other hand, have a very low fire risk.

When Lithium Batteries Should Be Used

Lithium batteries excel in uses where power loss cannot be tolerated because of their steady output. Lithium batteries are especially useful in things like:

Medical gadgets

Cameras

Wireless outdoor machinery

Communication devices.

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When Alkaline Batteries Should Be Used

In general, alkaline batteries function best in devices that don't require a stable voltage for long periods of time. Alkaline batteries are commonly used in many different types of items, including but not limited to:

Consumer Electronics (such as torches, remote controls, etc.)

Wireless Microphones

Smoke detectors

Lithium batteries vs. alkaline batteries:

Types

Alkaline batteries types:

9 volts

AAA

AA

Coin shaped cell batteries

Lithium batteries types:

The active materials and chemical reactions used by various types of lithium batteries to store energy are specific to each battery type. Each lithium battery has its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as specific uses.

The various kinds of lithium batteries are classified by the substances that power them. Most lithium-ion batteries fall into one of these categories:

Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries

Lithium Cobalt Oxide batteries

Lithium Manganese Oxide batteries

Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide batteries

Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminium Oxide batteries

Lithium Titanate batteries

Price

Due to their short lifespan and low-quality components, alkaline batteries are much more affordable than their lithium-ion counterparts.

Although lithium batteries are five times more expensive than alkaline batteries, they have a far longer lifespan (eight to ten times). Furthermore, unlike alkaline batteries, which gradually lose voltage throughout their performance, lithium batteries can nearly always be relied upon to deliver the full voltage with which they were originally charged. Because of this, lithium ions are the most cost-effective option.

Voltage

Lithium batteries have nominal voltages ranging from 1.5V to 3.0V, while Alkaline batteries have nominal voltages of 1.5V per cell.

Lithium-ion batteries, which typically provide 3.6v/3.2v per cell, may power more demanding gadgets. In comparison to Alkaline batteries, the performance of Li-Ion batteries, which can be assembled into 72v Li-Ion battery packs and even higher voltage battery packs, is superior.

Capacity

A battery's "capacity" is the maximum quantity of energy it can hold. Compared to their alkaline counterparts, lithium batteries can store significantly more energy. Lithium batteries, unlike alkaline ones, can keep going strong for hours without needing to be recharged. The capacity of lithium batteries ranges from 1200mAH to 200Ah, and they have a reduced rate of self-discharge.

Cycle lifes

It has been shown that lithium ion batteries have a lifespan that is four times that of alkaline batteries. Lithium batteries can be recharged 10,000 times, but alkaline batteries can only be used 300 times.

Performance

Rechargeable lithium batteries are always the standard. The lifespan of lithium batteries is longer than that of alkaline batteries.

However, alkaline batteries pose a risk of explosion and overheating when charging due to leaks and short circuits.

Alkaline batteries, due to their low voltage output, are primarily used in low-application devices such as remote controls, toys, and spotlights.

However, these lithium batteries are found in high-tech equipment like cameras and medical gadgets.

Because of its small size and high energy output, lithium-ion batteries have become the standard in modern electronics.Lithium ion batteries are ideal for electronic vehicles due to their light weight and high power-to-weight ratio, which allows for greater range between charges.

Why should we choose lithium batteries instead of alkaline batteries?

Longer lifespan

The major benefit of lithium batteries over alkaline batteries is that they last longer. Lithium batteries, on the other hand, can be charged and drained over and over again until they reach a full state. To do this, the current flows through its circuit in the opposite way of how it flows when the battery is being discharged.

Lighter weight

Compared to their alkaline counterparts, lithium batteries are extremely portable. Their use in appliances like power tools, portable wearables, and electric cars benefits from this quality. Because of their increased durability, they are frequently employed in cutting-edge electronics and smart gadgets.

Cost saving

As I indicated before, alkaline batteries are far more reasonably priced than lithium batteries because they are single-use and make use of inexpensive components.

 

Although lithium batteries are five times more expensive than alkaline batteries, they have a far longer lifespan (eight to ten times). Furthermore, unlike alkaline batteries, which gradually lose voltage throughout their performance, lithium batteries can nearly always be relied upon to deliver the full voltage with which they were originally charged. Because of this, lithium ions are the most cost-effective option.

Environmentally friendly

Primary batteries like alkaline ones are meant to be thrown away after only a few uses. One-time usage only; cannot be recharged and must be thrown away once depleted. As soon as they are depleted, we will need to replace them. It's possible to recycle the lithium battery because it's a rechargeable lithium battery. The lithium battery is also good for the environment because more than 90% of the raw ingredients are recyclable.

Where can we find the best company that makes lithium batteries?

Kowint is a lithium battery manufacturer that specializes in creating various lithium batteries; please feel free to peruse the product catalog to determine whether or not the company's offerings fulfill your needs. Alternatively, you can get in touch with the Kowint technical support staff.

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