First, based on internal materials, lithium-ion batteries are generally divided into two main categories.
Lithium metal batteries: Lithium metal batteries generally use manganese dioxide as the positive electrode material, lithium metal or its alloy metal as the negative electrode material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte solution.
Lithium-ion batteries: Lithium-ion batteries generally use lithium alloy metal oxide as the positive electrode material, graphite as the negative electrode material, and non-aqueous electrolyte.
Although lithium metal batteries have a high energy density, theoretically reaching 3860 watts per kilogram, their unstable nature and inability to be recharged prevent them from being used as reusable power batteries. Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, are being developed as a major power battery option due to their rechargeability. However, the different elements used in their cathode materials result in significant differences in performance, leading to increased debate within the industry regarding cathode material development strategies.
Second, according to use
The first is digital lithium-ion batteries, which are the batteries we use every day in mobile phones, tablets, power banks, etc. These all belong to the category of digital batteries.
The second type is power lithium-ion batteries, which are used in Tesla, BYD's new energy electric vehicles, and drones. These batteries require a large instantaneous current, which digital batteries cannot meet. Therefore, these are also called high-rate batteries, and they are more expensive than digital batteries.
Third, according to the shell material
The first type is steel-cased batteries, which, as the name suggests, have a steel casing.
The second type is aluminum-cased batteries, which, similarly, have an aluminum casing.
The third type is polymer lithium-ion batteries, whose casing is made of polymer material. Most of them are silver, but a few manufacturers make them in black, which is known in the industry as "black casing".
Fourth, classified by shape
The first type is cylindrical batteries, which are widely used, such as 18650 and 26650. These are generally used in combination. Smaller combinations can be used in digital products, such as early laptops, which typically have eight 18650 batteries. Power banks use combinations of one to five or six batteries. Tesla also uses series and parallel combinations of more than 7,000 18650 batteries.
The second type is the square battery, which is mostly a polymer battery. Because this polymer has good ductility, it can be made into many shapes, and the length, width and height can be adjusted at will. Most digital products now use this type of battery.
