Lithium polymer cell

Lithium polymer batteries are rechargeable batteries which have technologically evolved from lithium ion batteries. The lithium salt electrolyte is not held in an organic solvent, like in the proven lithium ion design, but in a solid polymer composite such as polyacrylonitrile.

There are many advantages of this design over the classic lithium ion design. Because of the solid polymer electrolyte there is no need for the organic flammable solvent. Thus these batteries are less hazardous if mistreated. Furthermore, since no metal battery cell casing is needed, the battery can be lighter and it can be specifically shaped to fit the device it will power. Because of the denser packaging without the holes between cylindrical cells and the lack of metal casing, the energy density of Li polymer batteries is over 20% higher than that of a classical Li ion battery.