This lithium-ion battery is used in digital cameras.
With their long life spans, Lithium-ion batteries provide an economical choice for powering small portable devices. Found in digital cameras, laptop computers, camcorders and other personal devices, lithium-ion batteries are gaining popularity over other types of rechargeable batteries and disposable batteries. Multi-use lithium-ion batteries are an environmentally friendly option, unlike their close relative, the disposable standard lithium battery.
Energy Output
Lithium-ion batteries store more power than other rechargeable batteries, according to Greenbatteries.com. On average, rechargeable Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) or Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries that offer 1.2volts of energy are outdone by Lithium-ion batteries of the same weight and size with an output of 3.7volts. The electrochemical potential of lithium-ion batteries provides the largest energy density by weight according to Isidor Buchmann, CEO of Cadex Electronics Inc. of Canada.
Long Storage Life
During storage, NiCd and NiMH batteries can loose 1 to 5 percent of their stored power each day, even when not installed in electronic devices. Lithium-ion batteries tend to retain their energy, even after months of storage. Lithium-ion batteries are preferred for travel for this reason. Many sets of batteries can be prepared before the trip and even the last set will be fresh and ready to go after days of storage.
Low Maintenance
Since lithium-ion batteries retain no "memory" of power from previous charging cycles, they can be fully re-fueled during a charging cycle. Some rechargeable battery types retain small pieces of information that waste valuable energy storage space and over time make the rechargeable battery hold less of a charge. Storing lithium-ion batteries with at least a 40 percent charge is recommended by Cadex Electronics Inc. of Canada. This adds years to the usual two- to three-year life span of the battery.
Environmentally Friendly
Since lithium-ion batteries can be used repeatedly, they create less waste than standard disposable batteries that are tossed in the garbage after depletion. Once lithium-ion batteries have expired, simply place them on a lithium-ion battery charger and allow them to be re-filled with power. After years of use, or when a lithium-ion battery is damaged, it can be recycled. Since lithium-ion batteries contain no liquid electrolyte, there is no risk of chemical burns from a damaged battery.
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