A lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery is a type of rechargeable battery. Li-ion batteries use lithium ions as the primary charge carrier, which move between the anode and cathode of the battery during charging and discharging.

Li-ion batteries are known for their high energy density, which means that they can store a lot of energy in a relatively small and lightweight package. They also have a low self-discharge rate, which means they can hold their charge for longer periods of time compared to other types of rechargeable batteries.

One of the advantages of Li-ion batteries is that they do not suffer from the "memory effect," which is a phenomenon that can occur in other types of rechargeable batteries, where the battery loses its maximum energy capacity if it is not fully discharged before recharging. Li-ion batteries can be recharged at any time, regardless of their remaining charge level, without affecting their overall capacity.

Li-ion batteries are widely used in consumer electronics, as well as in other applications such as electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.

Here are some comparisons between Lithium-ion (Li-ion), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), and Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) batteries:

Energy Density: Li-ion batteries have the highest energy density, which means they can store more energy in a smaller volume than Ni-MH or NiCd batteries. Ni-MH batteries have a higher energy density than NiCd batteries.

Memory Effect: NiCd batteries are prone to a phenomenon called "memory effect," which occurs when the battery is not fully discharged before being recharged. This can cause the battery to "remember" the reduced capacity and cause it to discharge more quickly in the future. Ni-MH and Li-ion batteries do not suffer from this effect.

Self-discharge: NiCd batteries have the highest self-discharge rate, meaning they lose their charge even when not in use. Ni-MH batteries have a lower self-discharge rate than NiCd batteries, and Li-ion batteries have the lowest self-discharge rate.

Toxicity: NiCd batteries contain toxic materials such as cadmium, which can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. Ni-MH batteries and Li-ion batteries are more environmentally friendly.

Price: NiCd batteries are the cheapest among the three, followed by Ni-MH batteries, while Li-ion batteries are the most expensive.

Performance in extreme temperatures: Li-ion batteries perform better than Ni-MH and NiCd batteries at high and low temperatures.

Overall, Li-ion batteries are the most popular rechargeable batteries because they offer the highest energy density, longer lifespan, and low self-discharge rate.

See our prices for Li-ion Batteries.