Lithium Batteries (Li-Ion)

Lithium batteries are regularly used in portable products such as toys, watches, clocks and cameras. Cromwell have a range of Lithium batteries from brands such as Duracell, Energizer and Panasonic.

What are lithium batteries?

Lithium batteries have a low weight, high charge density and depending on the battery unit they can produce between 1.5V - 3.7V. They also have a longer life span than alternative alkaline batteries.

Why lithium batteries?

Compared to other batteries, Lithium is lighter and holds more energy. This makes it easier to power items where weight and size are an issue. They perform better in cold temperatures and are less prone to leaking, which can cause corrosion.

When to use lithium batteries?

A lot of lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable, unlike alkaline batteries which are not intended to be recharged. In this regard, lithium-ion batteries are better suited for use in devices such as vapes and electric toothbrushes. Lithium batteries are also commonly used where a loss of power could prove extremely damgerous, such as in medical equipment.

Types of Lithium Batteries

• Button/Coin - Flat, round, coin shaped battery. Commonly used for watches, earbuds, hearing aids, car keys etc.

• AAA - Used in low drain electronic devices such as TV remote controls and cameras.

• AA - Widely used in toys, torches, battery operated lights.

• Camera - Specifically designed for use in digital cameras, works well for outdoor photography as performs better in cold temperatures.

Considerations when choosing lithium batteries

• Size - the correct battery size for the item you need the batteries for.

• Recycling - ensure that you dispose of the battery correctly by recycling to ensure toxic elements do not escape into landfill.

• Safety - children are prone to ingest the button/coin batteries which can cause harm. Please ensure that the batteries are stored away from children and secured correctly in items where the batteries are used.

Lithium batteries jargon buster

We want to make it easier for you to understand and shop our range of lithium batteries, so here are some key terms that will help you understand the applications of a lithium battery a little better.

What is an ion?

An ion is simply a charged molecule or atom. In the context of a lithium-ion battery, this simply means that the battery is charged and discharged by lithium ions (atoms or molecules) moving between the negative (anode) and positive (cathode) electrodes.

FAQs

What is the difference between a lithium and an alkaline battery?

Lithium batteries are more efficent at storing energy, are lighter and last longer than alkaline batteries. On a more specific level, alkaline batteries have design chemistry that relies on zinc and manganese dioxide as the cathode and anode and an alkaline electrolyte in the form of potassium hydroxide. Their energy comes from the reaction of the zinc and manganese dioxide. Lithium batteries however, rely on metallic lithium as the anode.