How Do Lithium Batteries Work?

What is a Lithium Battery?

Lithium batteries are disposable batteries that use a lithium metal or other lithium-based compound as the anode. They should not be confused with lithium-ion batteries.

How do They Function?

In a typical battery of this design, metallic lithium is used as an anode and manganese dioxide as cathode. Between them is a separator of lithium salt in an organic solvent. On the bottom is a current collector made of carbon. Current flows into the battery through the anode and out again through the cathode, with the battery's "power" being generated by chemical reactions between the two.

What are They Used for?

Lithium batteries typically generate between 1.5 and 3 volts, but are very long-lived. This makes them ideal for uses that require very long life, but have low electrical demands. Remote controls, watches, clocks, and pacemakers are all common applications for lithium battery designs.