Difference between Lithium-Metal and Lithium-Ion Batteries

In electrical and electronics, a battery is an electrochemical device that can convert chemical energy into electrical energy and vice-versa. Batteries are one of crucial component in a portable electronic device like smartphone, laptop, remote controls, etc.

Depending on the charging characteristics, batteries can be classified into two types namely, rechargeable battery and non-rechargeable battery.

• A rechargeable battery, also known as "secondary battery", can be used repeatedly by charging it again and again.

• A non-rechargeable battery, also known as "primary battery", cannot be recharged once it used.

In this article, we will explore two common types of lithium batteries namely, Lithium-Ion battery and Lithium-Metal battery. The most fundamental difference between a lithium-ion battery and a lithium-metal battery is that a li-ion battery consists of an anode made up of graphite, whereas a li-metal battery consists of an anode made up of lithium metal.

Let's start this article with a brief overview of lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries.

What is a Lithium-Ion Battery?

Li-Ion (Lithium Ion) battery is a kind of rechargeable or secondary battery that utilizes lithium ions acting as the main charge carries. A lithium ion battery generally consists of two main components namely, electrodes and electrolyte. It has two electrodes namely, anode and cathode. The anode is made up of graphite, and the cathode is made up of lithium metal oxide. The electrolyte is a gel-like material and acts as a separator that prevent direct contact between the anode and cathode and allows the flow of lithium ions through it.

The lithium ions move between the anode and the cathode through the electrolyte during charging and discharging processes. The lithium ions move from the cathode to the anode during charging process, and they move from the anode to the cathode during discharging process.

Li-Ion batteries have several advantages, including high energy density, longer battery life, lower self-discharge rate, etc. However, they also have some limitations, such as sensitivity to overcharging and high temperatures that can reduce their performance.

Lithium ion batteries are widely used in a various portable electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, automotive, etc.

What is a Lithium-Metal Battery?

Lithium-Metal Battery is another type of lithium battery that has enhanced energy density and operating performance over lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-metal battery is a type of non-rechargeable battery, however, the rechargeable lithium-metal batteries are under development stage. Similar to any other type of battery, the lithium-metal battery also consists of two electrodes, i.e. anode and cathode. The anode of a lithium metal battery is made up of pure lithium metal, which provides higher energy density than lithium-ion battery.

In a lithium-metal battery, the lithium ions are dissociated from the cathode and deposited onto the anode during the charging process. During the discharging process, these lithium ions move from another to cathode through the electrolyte.

Lithium-metal batteries are primarily known for their high energy density and longer cycle life. However, they are highly hazardous. Additionally, most lithium metal batteries are non-rechargeable.

Lithium-metal batteries are mainly used in devices that require continuous power without replacing or charging the battery like smoke detectors, pace makers, etc.

Difference between Lithium-Ion Battery and Lithium-Metal Battery

The following table highlights all significant differences between lithium-ion battery and lithium-metal battery −

Parameter	Lithium-Ion Battery	Lithium-Metal Battery
Basic	Lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery which utilizes lithium compounds as active material.	Lithium-metal battery is typically a non-rechargeable battery that utilizes lithium in its pure metallic form.
Anode	The anode (negative electrode) of a lithium-ion battery is made up of graphite.	The anode of a lithium-metal battery is made up of pure lithium metal.
Type of battery	Lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable (secondary) battery.	Most lithium-metal batteries are non-rechargeable (primary battery).
Energy density	Lithium-ion batteries provide comparatively lower energy density.	Lithium metal batteries provide higher energy density than li-ion batteries.
Amount of lithium deposition	Lithium-ion batteries have lesser amount of lithium deposition.	Lithium metal batteries have heavy lithium deposition.
Lifespan	Lithium-ion batteries have shorter lifespan, typically around 3000 charging/discharging cycle.	Lithium metal batteries have comparatively much longer lifespan than li-ion batteries.
Safety	Lithium-ion batteries have less safety hazards.	Lithium-metal batteries use pure lithium metal that has high reactivity which can lead to safety hazards.
Cost	Lithium-ion batteries are comparatively expensive.	Lithium-metal batteries are less expensive than li-ion batteries.
Operating temperature	Lithium-ion batteries have wider range of operating temperature to provide optimal performance.	Lithium-metal batteries have lower temperature range, hence the higher temperatures can affect their performance.
Charging efficiency	The charging efficiency of lithium-ion batteries is high.	Lithium-metal batteries have lower charging efficiency.
Manufacturing	Lithium-ion batteries are easier to manufacture.	Lithium-metal batteries are complex to manufacture due to high reactivity of pure lithium metal.
Applications	Lithium-ion batteries are used in most portable devices like smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other consumer items.	Lithium-metal batteries are mainly used where power is required for longer period without need of charging/replacing the battery like in smoke detector, wireless camera, etc.

Conclusion

Both are the type of lithium batteries, utilizing lithium metal as an active material. However, li-ion and li-metal batteries are absolutely different from each other as described in the above table.

The most significand difference between li-ion and li-metal batteries is that a lithium-ion battery is a rechargeable battery with lower energy density, while a lithium-metal battery is a non-rechargeable battery with higher energy density.