The lithium polymer battery can use any combination of electrodes found in lithium-ion batteries; it is simply the electrolyte that differs. Just as batteries in general come in all shapes, sizes and chemistries, so do lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-ion battery technology is viable due to its high energy density and cyclic abilities. Different electrolytes are used in lithium-ion batteries for enhancing their efficiency. These electrolytes have been divided into liquid, solid, and polymer electrolytes and explained on the basis of different solvent-electrolytes.
That’s why lithium-ion batteries don’t use elemental lithium. Instead, lithium-ion batteries typically contain a lithium-metal oxide, such as lithium-cobalt oxide (LiCoO 2). This supplies the lithium-ions. Lithium-metal oxides are used in the cathode and lithium-carbon compounds are used in the anode.
As you learned, lithium is extremely reactive. When manufacturers make lithium-ion batteries, they have to take certain precautions so that the batteries are safe to use. However, you may have heard of some electronics, such as laptops or cell phones, bursting into flames because of their batteries.
In the case of a lithium-ion battery, the lithium ions are ‘tied’ to an electron within the structure of the anode. When the battery discharges, the intercalated lithium ions are released from the anode, and then travel through the electrolyte solution to be absorbed (intercalated) in the cathode.
In advanced polymer-based solid-state lithium-ion batteries, gel polymer electrolytes have been used, which is a combination of both solid and polymeric electrolytes. The use of these electrolytes enhanced the battery performance and generated potential up to 5 V.