Understanding Primary vs Secondary Lithium Batteries - PKcell

Key Highlights

• Primary lithium batteries are meant for one-time use and cannot be recharged. They are usually found in medical devices, remote controls, and smoke detectors.
• Secondary lithium batteries, or rechargeable batteries, are standard in devices like laptops, smartphones, and electric vehicles (EVs).
• Primary batteries typically last longer on the shelf than secondary batteries, making them a good choice for items that are not used often.
• Even though secondary batteries can cost more at first, they save you money over time because you can use them again and again.
• When deciding which type to buy, consider the intended application, power needs, and the impact on the environment.

Introduction

In today’s world, we use more portable electronics than ever. So, learning about different kinds of batteries and how they function is crucial. This blog will focus on primary and secondary batteries. We will explain how both types work, their advantages and disadvantages, and where you can find them commonly used. This will help you make smarter choices when choosing the right batteries for your project.

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What Are Primary and Secondary Lithium Batteries?

Primary Lithium Battery

A non-rechargeable battery designed for single use. It generates power through a one-time chemical reaction that cannot be reversed. Once depleted, it’s discarded or recycled.

Example (Hot-Sell Model): ER (Lithium Thionyl Chloride, LiSOCl₂) – a popular AA-sized primary battery with 3.6V and mAh capacity.

Secondary Lithium Battery

A rechargeable battery that can be charged and discharged multiple times. It uses reversible chemical reactions, typically lithium-ion technology, to store and release energy.

Example (Hot-Sell Model): ICR (Lithium Cobalt Oxide, LiCoO₂) – a widely used 3.7V cylindrical cell, often with – mAh capacity.

Primary vs Secondary Lithium Battery

Here is a comparison table. This table highlights the key distinctions between Primary Lithium Batteries (e.g., ER) and Secondary Lithium Batteries (e.g., ICR). It compares rechargeability, voltage, energy density, cycle life, self-discharge, and cost.

Pros and Cons of Primary Lithium Battery

Pros:

• Extremely long shelf life (10–20 years).
• High energy density for compact power.
• Excellent performance in extreme temperatures (-55°C to 85°C).
• Minimal self-discharge, ideal for long-term storage.

Cons:

• Non-rechargeable—must be replaced after use.
• Higher initial cost with no reuse value.
• Limited to low-drain applications.

Pros and Cons of Rechargeable Lithium Battery

Pros:

• Rechargeable, cost-effective over time.
• Versatile for high-drain and frequent-use devices.
• Wide range of capacities and chemistries (e.g., ICR, INR).

Cons:

• Shorter shelf life due to self-discharge.
• Requires a charger and battery management system (BMS).
• Degrades with cycles, needing eventual replacement.

Common Uses

Primary Lithium Battery (ER):

• Applications: Utility meters (water/gas), remote sensors, smoke detectors, GPS trackers, medical implants (e.g., pacemakers), and military equipment.
• Why: Longevity and reliability in low-power, long-term scenarios.

Secondary Lithium Battery (ICR):

• Applications: Smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, power tools, flashlights, drones, solar power banks.
• Why: Rechargeability suits frequent use and high-power needs.

Common Types of Primary Lithium Battery

Primary Lithium Batteries are non-rechargeable, offering high energy density and long shelf life. Common types include:

• Lithium Thionyl Chloride (LiSOCl₂): e.g., ER – Ultra-long life, low drain.
• Lithium Manganese Dioxide (LiMnO₂): e.g., CR – Compact, coin cells.
• Lithium Iron Disulfide (LiFeS₂): e.g., AA – High power, consumer use

Common Types of Rechargeable Lithium Battery

Rechargeable lithium batteries, or secondary lithium batteries, power modern devices with high energy and versatility. Popular types include Lithium Cobalt Oxide (ICR) for compact electronics, Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt (INR) for balanced EV performance, Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum (NCA) for high-energy needs, Lithium Iron Phosphate (IFR) for safety and longevity, Lithium Manganese Oxide (IMR) for power tools, and Lithium Polymer (LIP) for flexible, lightweight designs.

When to Choose Primary Lithium Batteries (e.g., ER):

• Long-Term, Low-Power Needs: Devices like remote sensors or meters that run for years without maintenance.
• Harsh Environments: Extreme cold or heat where secondary batteries might fail.
• No Access to Charging: Remote locations or disposable devices (e.g., emergency beacons).
• Critical Reliability: Medical or safety devices where replacing a battery is better than risking recharge failure.

When to Choose Secondary Lithium Batteries (e.g., ICR):

• Frequent Use: Daily-use gadgets like phones or tools that need regular recharging.
• High Power Output: Applications like EVs or drones require strong, sustained energy.
• Cost Efficiency Over Time: When you can recharge hundreds of times instead of buying new batteries.
• Charging Available: Environments where power sources are accessible for recharging.

Technological Innovations in Lithium Batteries

The world of lithium battery technology is always changing. Researchers and engineers find new ways to improve it. Recent changes focus on making batteries last longer, work better, be safer, and cost less. This helps more people use lithium batteries in different areas.

Let’s explore some fun new ideas and trends shaping lithium batteries’ future.

Breakthroughs in Battery Longevity and Efficiency

In lithium battery research, a key goal is to make batteries last longer. This involves tackling capacity fade, which happens when a battery loses its ability to hold a charge over time. Researchers are experimenting with different materials, electrode designs, and electrolyte combinations to slow down this process. They aim to reduce capacity fade and increase the battery’s lifespan.

Here are recent breakthroughs in the battery industry：

Lithium Replenishment

• What: Adding lithium salts or compounds to restore lost ions in ageing batteries.
• Breakthrough: Fudan University (China) developed a “battery transfusion” method, achieving up to 12,000 cycles—equivalent to 18 years of EV use.
• Impact: Triples typical lifespan (e.g., from 1,000 to 12,000 cycles), cutting replacement costs and waste.

Solid-State Electrolytes

• What: Replacing liquid electrolytes with solid materials like ceramics or sulfides.
• Breakthrough: Quantumscape and Toyota report energy densities up to 50% higher (350–500 Wh/kg) and 80% charge in 15 minutes.
• Impact: Enhances efficiency with faster charging and doubles longevity by reducing degradation from liquid-based side reactions.

Silicon Anode Optimization

• What: Using silicon instead of graphite, with nanostructuring to prevent cracking.
• Breakthrough: Sila Nano’s silicon anode batteries deliver 20–40% more capacity (e.g., 300 Wh/kg) and maintain 80% capacity after 1,000 cycles.
• Impact: Boosts energy efficiency for longer ranges and improves lifespan over traditional graphite anodes.

AI-Optimized Battery Management

• What: AI algorithms fine-tune charging patterns and monitor degradation in real-time.
• Breakthrough: Tesla and IBM integrate AI to predict failure and optimize cycles, extending life by 20–30% (e.g., 1,200 cycles vs. 1,000).
• Impact: Maximizes efficiency and longevity without altering battery chemistry.

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) Enhancements

• What: Adding lithium or improving cathode structure in LFP batteries.
• Breakthrough: CATL’s upgraded LFP cells eliminate initial capacity loss, achieving 3,000–4,000 cycles at 160 Wh/kg.
• Impact: Combines longevity with cost efficiency, ideal for grid storage and affordable EVs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s key to understand the difference between primary and secondary lithium batteries when picking the right power source for your needs. Primary batteries last a long time on the shelf. You can use them immediately. Secondary batteries, on the other hand, can be recharged. They are more cost-effective over a longer period. Consider your specific needs, like energy capacity and cycle life, to make a smart choice. Technology is constantly improving battery performance, which helps with longevity and efficiency. Stay updated on new trends to find the best batteries for your devices. For tailored advice on which lithium battery to choose, you can contact our experts in the industry for quotes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, primary or secondary battery?

The choice between primary batteries and secondary batteries depends on your needs. If you want a battery for single use, has high energy, and lasts a long time on the shelf, then primary batteries are best. However, if you like batteries that you can recharge and that help you save money, secondary batteries are a better option for you.

Which is better, an NMC or LFP lithium battery?

NMC batteries generally have a higher energy density. This makes them good for situations where storing a lot of energy is important. LFP batteries, on the other hand, last longer and are safer. However, they do usually cost a little more.

What is the main advantage of secondary batteries over primary batteries?

The biggest advantage of secondary batteries is that you can charge them again. This key feature lets you use them longer, saves you money in the long run, and helps the environment by reducing battery waste.

Are lithium batteries the same as lithium-ion batteries?

Lithium batteries have two main types: primary and secondary. Primary batteries can’t be recharged and usually contain lithium-manganese dioxide. They are ideal for devices that don’t use much power. In contrast, secondary batteries can be recharged and mainly use lithium-ion technology. They are perfect for devices that need a lot of power.

What are the pros and cons of lithium batteries?

Lithium batteries offer several advantages. They are lightweight and have a high energy density. They also have a slow discharge rate. However, they can be quite costly. It is crucial to handle and dispose of them with care. This is important due to safety concerns like overheating or fires.

lithium-ion battery is a standard lithium-ion battery model, where 18 indicates a diameter of 18mm, 65 indicates a length of 65mm, and 0 indicates a cylindrical battery.

It has the advantages of light weight, large capacity, and no memory effect, so it has been widely used. The energy density of lithium-ion batteries is very high, its capacity is 1.5 to 2 times that of nickel-metal hydride batteries of the same weight, and it has a very low self-discharge rate. In addition, lithium-ion batteries have almost no "memory effect" and do not contain toxic substances, which are also important reasons for their widespread use.

Main application areas of lithium battery

1. Energy storage

Mainly used in base station power supply, clean energy energy storage, grid power energy storage, home optical storage system, etc.

2. Power type Mainly refers to electric transportation, electric bicycles, new energy vehicles, etc.

3. Digital Mobile phones, tablets, laptops, electric toys, MP3/MP4, headphones, power banks, model aircraft, mobile power supplies, etc.

lithium battery model parameters

1. General physical parameters of lithium battery Type - sealed cylindrical type, rechargeable lithium-ion battery

Model——ICR

Nominal voltage - 3.6V

Weight - about 45g

CamAh——mAh

Charging voltage——4.200±0.049V

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Minimum discharge termination voltage——2.75V

Maximum charge termination voltage——4.23V

Maximum continuous charging current——mA

Maximum continuous discharge current——mA

Dimensions (including heat shrink jacket) Diameter: d——18.0±0.2mm

Height: h-65.0±0.5mm

Minimum capacity——mAh

Maximum capacity——mAh

Internal resistance (20℃±5℃, measured after fully charged) - less than 80mQ

Charging conditions: 20℃±5℃)

Standard charging mA to 4.2V, 4.2V constant voltage to current less than 20mA

Fast Charging – mA to 4.2V, 4.2V constant voltage to less than 20mA

Usage environment (recommended)

Storage - Temperature (15-35℃)

Relative humidity (45-75%)

Atmospheric pressure (86-106kPa)

Discharge 20 to 60℃

Standard charging 0 to 45℃

Relative humidity <93% Atmospheric pressure 86 to 106kPa Standard test environment (unless otherwise required) Temperature 20℃±5℃ Relative humidity 45±20%

2. lithium-ion battery conventional chemical performance parameters (electrical performance) requirements

(1) Appearance structure, visual inspection shows no cracks, scratches, deformation, stains, or electrolyte leakage.

(2) Standard test strip: If there are no special requirements, the test should be conducted under the conditions of 20±5℃ (temperature) and 65±20% (humidity). The accuracy level of the ammeter and voltmeter used in the test is ≤0.5

(3) Standard charging It means that under the environment of 20±5℃ and 65±5%RH, after charging with a current of 0.5ItmA to a single cell voltage of 4.2V, it is switched to a constant voltage of 4.2V for charging until the charging current is less than 20mA, then the charging is stopped.

(4) Quick charging It refers to charging at a constant current of mA to a single cell voltage of 4.2V in an environment of 20±5℃ and 65±5%RH, then switching to constant voltage 4.2V for charging until the charging current is less than 20mA, then stopping charging.

(5) Rated capacity It refers to the discharge capacity when the battery is discharged to the end voltage of 2.75V at a constant current of 0.5mA before charging under the environment of 20±5℃ and 65±5%H; left for 15 minutes after standard charging; and discharged to 2.75V at 0.2ItmA. Required discharge capacity: ≥100%C5mAh.

(6) Rapid discharge capacity It refers to the discharge capacity when the battery is discharged to the end voltage of 2.75V at a constant current of 0.5ImA before charging under the environment of 20±5℃ and 65±5%H; left for 15 minutes after standard charging; and discharged to 2.75V at 0.2ImA. Required discharge capacity: ≥90%C5mAh

(7) Cycle life Discharge the battery according to standard discharge requirements and leave it aside for 15 minutes. In the environment of 20±5℃ and 65±5%RH, charge according to the fast charging requirements and leave it for 15 minutes, then discharge with a current of mA until the battery terminal voltage reaches the termination voltage of 2.75V. Cyclic charge and discharge, when the discharge capacity of any cycle is less than 80% CsmAh, the life is terminated. The number of cycles must be greater than or equal to 300

(8) -20℃ discharge performance The battery should be charged according to the standard charging method; the battery should be left at an ambient temperature of -20℃±2℃ for 16h~24h; the battery should be discharged at a constant current of 0.2ImA to a termination voltage of 2.75V at an ambient temperature of -20℃±2℃ ;Discharge capacity ≥60%C5mAh

2. Performance parameters of lithium-ion battery separator

The factors that affect the performance of the lithium-ion battery separator are: thickness, air permeability, wettability, chemical stability, pore size, puncture strength, thermal shutdown temperature, and porosity. These factors directly affect the quality of lithium-ion battery products. Let’s take a look at the performance parameter requirements of these lithium-ion battery separators.

1. Thickness Regarding consumable lithium-ion batteries (those used in mobile phones, laptops, and digital cameras), 25-micron separators are gradually becoming the standard. However, due to the increasing use of portable products, thinner diaphragms, such as 20 micron, 18 micron, 16 micron, or even thinner diaphragms, have begun to be widely used. For power lithium batteries, due to the mechanical requirements of the assembly process, thicker separators are often required. Of course, for large power batteries, safety is also very important, and thicker separators often mean better safety. EV/HEV uses a separator with a thickness of about 40 microns.

2. Air permeability MacMullin number: The ratio between the resistivity of the separator containing the electrolyte and the resistivity of the electrolyte itself. The smaller the value, the better. The value for the consumable lithium-ion battery is close to 8. Gurley number: The time required for a certain volume of gas to pass through a certain area of diaphragm under certain pressure conditions. It is proportional to the internal resistance of the battery assembled with the separator, that is, the larger the value, the greater the internal resistance. It is meaningless to simply compare the Gurley number of two different diaphragms, because the microstructure of the two diaphragms may be completely different; but the Gurley number of the same kind of diaphragm can well reflect the size of the internal resistance, because the same kind of diaphragm The microstructure is relatively the same or comparable.

3. Wetness In order to ensure that the internal resistance of the battery is not too large, the separator is required to be completely wetted by the electrolyte used in the battery. This is related to the separator material itself and the surface and internal microstructure of the separator. Rough judgment: Take a typical electrolyte (such as EC:DMC=1:1, 1MLiPF) and drop it on the surface of the separator to see if the droplets will quickly disappear and be absorbed by the separator. Accurate judgment: Use an ultra-high time resolution camera to record the process from the droplet contacting the separator to the droplet disappearing, calculate the time, and compare the wettability of the two separators based on the length of time.

4. Chemical stability of lithium-ion battery separator The separator is required to be inert in electrochemical reactions, inactive to strong reduction and strong oxidation, and have no attenuation in mechanical strength and no impurities. It is generally believed that the current diaphragm materials PE or PP can meet the chemical inertness requirements.

5. Pore size of lithium-ion battery separator To prevent electrode particles from passing directly through the separator, the separator pore size is required to be 0.01-0.1um. When it is less than 0.01um, the lithium ion penetration ability is too small. When it is greater than 0.1um, the battery is prone to short circuit when dendrites are formed inside the battery. The electrode particles currently used are generally on the order of 10 microns, while the conductive additives used are on the order of 10 nanometers. Fortunately, carbon black particles generally tend to agglomerate to form large particles. Generally speaking, a separator with submicron pores is enough to prevent the direct passage of electrode particles. Of course, it does not rule out that some electrodes have poor surface treatment and excessive dust, such as micro short circuits.

6. Puncture strength of lithium-ion battery separator Puncture strength: At a certain speed (3-5 meters per minute), a needle with a diameter of 1 mm without sharp edges is allowed to pierce the annularly fixed diaphragm, which is the maximum force exerted on the needle to penetrate the diaphragm. Since the method used during testing is very different from the actual situation in the battery, it is not particularly reasonable to directly compare the puncture strength of the two separators. However, when the microstructure is certain, the assembly with higher puncture strength is relatively better. The defective rate is low. However, the pure pursuit of high puncture strength will inevitably lead to a decrease in other properties of the diaphragm.

7. Thermal stability The separator must remain thermally stable within the temperature range of battery use (-20°C ~ 60°C). Generally speaking, the PE or PP materials currently used for diaphragms can meet the above requirements. Generally, under vacuum conditions and at a constant temperature of 90°C for 60 minutes, the transverse and longitudinal shrinkage of the diaphragm should be less than 5%.

8. Thermal shutdown temperature of lithium-ion battery separator Thermal shutdown temperature: The temperature at which the internal resistance increases by three orders of magnitude when a simulated battery (a separator sandwiched between two planar electrodes, using a general lithium-ion battery electrolyte) is heated. Closing temperature: the temperature at which the micropores of the diaphragm are blocked by the heat generated when an external short circuit or abnormal large current passes through. Melt rupture temperature: The temperature at which the diaphragm ruptures when the temperature exceeds the melting point of the sample.

lithium battery voltage and parameters, what is the capacity?

The voltage and capacity of lithium battery are the most important performance parameters of this type of battery, and are also the fundamental factors that determine the price of lithium batteries. Manufacturers can design lithium batteries with different capacities, which is determined by raw materials and processes.

lithium battery parameter table

lithium battery is a typical battery named according to its size. Therefore, the size as one of the parameters of lithium battery is basically the same. Because lithium batteries can actually be divided into four systems: lithium cobalt oxide, lithium manganate, ternary materials, and lithium iron phosphate due to different positive electrodes. Except for lithium iron phosphate, the other three materials can essentially replace each other.

lithium battery voltage is one of the important parameters of lithium battery. Mastering the basic knowledge of battery voltage plays an important role in scientific battery charging, discharging and shelving protection. lithium cobalt oxide battery The nominal voltage is generally: 3.7V The charging limit voltage is generally: 4.20V The minimum discharge termination voltage is generally: 2.75V Diameter: 18±0.2mm Height: 65±2.0mm Capacity: mAh or more (the highest currently is Panasonic’s mah) Currently, the world's largest manufacturers of this type of lithium batteries include Japan's Sanyo (acquired by Panasonic), Panasonic, Samsung, and Sony. lithium iron phosphate battery The nominal voltage of a single cell is generally: 3.2V The charging limit voltage is generally: 3.6V The minimum discharge termination voltage is generally: 2V Diameter: 18±0.2mm Height: 65±2.0mm Capacity: smaller than of lithium cobalt oxide, the common one is mah. It can be seen that the sizes of the two are exactly the same, but the lithium batteries of the two systems have their own advantages and disadvantages. Specifically, the advantages of lithium iron phosphate batteries and lithium cobalt oxide are: 1. Safer. Overcharge and overdischarge will not cause explosion or leakage. 2. Longer life, can be cycled more than 1,000 times under normal use 3. High magnification, 2C charging and 10C discharging, it will not get hot, explode or leak, and will not affect its lifespan. However, the lithium iron phosphate battery has a low cell voltage and is mostly used in electrical appliances that operate with high current. The voltage parameters of a single lithium battery are as follows 1. The core of the lithium battery voltage is the working voltage, also called the nominal voltage, which is 3.7V, which is equivalent to three nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride batteries connected in series. Some domestic battery manufacturers also design the working voltage to be 3.6V. 2. Charging limit voltage: This is the highest limit for the battery voltage, which is 4.2V. The charging process of the lithium battery is the process of increasing the battery voltage from 3.7V during operation to 4.2V. The end of the process indicates that the battery is full. power status. If it exceeds 4.2V, it is overcharged and will cause damage to the battery. 3. Discharge termination voltage: that is, when the voltage of the lithium battery drops to the lowest working voltage where it is not suitable to continue discharging, it is 2.75V. If the battery is placed below the termination voltage, it is over-discharged. Over-discharge will damage the electrode structure of the battery. Causes lithium ions to undergo an irreversible reaction, seriously affecting the life of the battery. What is the capacity of lithium battery? The capacity of lithium battery is of concern to many industrial users and individual consumers. This is because the larger the capacity of lithium battery, the longer it can be used and can provide users with longer power supply. However, under the same system, High capacity of lithium batteries will bring negative effects of high price, so the balance between capacity and price is very important. The capacity of lithium battery is distributed between mAh and mAh, but the more mature technology is generally between mAh and mAh. This is because the capacity of lithium battery is too low, which will affect the effective working time of the battery and there are problems in applicability. . If the capacity of lithium battery is too high, the cost will increase greatly. Moreover, the lithium battery with too high capacity in non-special fields is not of great significance. The capacity of lithium battery is the main selling point of the manufacturer. In addition, the brand of lithium battery cells with the same capacity is also a factor that affects the price. Generally speaking, imported brands are more expensive than domestic brands of the same type. As mentioned earlier, the decision of lithium battery The main factor in capacity is also the structure of the raw materials. Therefore, from the perspective of the positive electrode, the prices of lithium cobalt oxide, lithium manganate, ternary materials, and lithium iron phosphate will be different. lithium battery packs need to be customized according to different products used in different working environments and fields. When selecting lithium battery packs, you should consider the consistency, stability, and safety of the cells, as well as the content of each set of cells. Every battery must be matched in all aspects, such as the same voltage, the same internal resistance, the same capacity, etc.

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