Lithium-ion polymer batteries are commonly known as Lithium polymer batteries. They belong to a family of rechargeable (secondary cell) batteries. These batteries are evolved from Lithium-Ion batteries. In lithium-Ion batteries, the electrolyte is made of organic solvent, while Lithium polymer batteries are composed of solid polymer electrolyte such as polyethylene oxide or polyacrylonitrile. This electrolyte is a plastic-like film which does not conduct electricity but allows ion exchange. The polymer electrolyte replaced the conventional porous separator, which is immersed in electrolyte.
The primary advantage of Lithium Polymer (Li-Po) batteries is that they have a flexible structure which allows manufacturers to shape them in different ways. Li-Po batteries are used in radio control equipment, such as radio-controlled aircrafts, radio-controlled cars and large scale model trains. They are also popular choices in portable electronic devices such as tablet computers, gaming consoles and electronic cigarettes.
Overview of Advantages:
1. Lithium Polymer batteries’ most compelling advantage is that they come in flexible form and can be converted into any shape economically.
2. Use of solid polymer electrolyte eliminated the risk of electrolyte leakage from the batteries.
3. Improved safety factors compared to other rechargeable batteries. They are more resistant to overcharge.
4. As they do not have a metal shell, contain gel electrolyte, they are lighter than Li-On batteries.
Disadvantages:
1. Lithium Polymer batteries are currently more costly than conventional Li-On batteries.
2. Compared to Li-On batteries they have low energy density and fewer life cycles too.
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