Lithium is a metal that is highly reactive; therefore, it is also a metal with a very high potential for converting chemical energy into the needed electricity for digital equipment. In fact, in some lithium 18650 li battery cells, the electrochemical potential is five times greater than it is in battery cells that are made of lead and three times greater than the amount for alkaline cells. Lithium, too, is very flexible. As a result, it’s also a feasible metal to use in the designs of small cells, or the type of cells used in such electronic items as laptops, digital cameras and palmtop computers or PDAs.

Battery Specifications

A typical 18650 3.7v battery cell then is a cylindrical Li-ion cell which is lightweight. Most cells are around an ounce and a half in weight. General capacity is measured at 2,200 milliamps or 2.2 amps. Usually, any amount higher than this number causes one to question stability. The maximum charge is 2.4 amps while the maximum discharge current is 4.6 amps.

The Process of Ionization – How a Lithium Battery Works

As stated, in the case of a lithium battery, as with all batteries in general, chemical energy is transformed into electrical energy. This process begins when electricity is supplied to the battery by way of a battery charger, which subsequently becomes a conduit for the electrons. The negative charges combine with the molecules in the lithium and are forced between spaces in the metal’s crystal planes. The electrons then ionize the lithium. Ionization, as a result, causes the metal’s planes to become loaded to the extent that they maintain a constant flow of energy. It also breaks down the reactive properties of the lithium in the battery.

The Case for Lithium

Needless to say, to keep your laptops, notebooks, iPods, PDAs or digital cameras working without interruption, it’s important to charge your Li-ion batteries. Plus, lithium, as stated, is a highly reactive type metal. Therefore, you will always receive an adequate power supply if you use such a battery as a power source.

Keeping your Electronic Devices in Working Order

There are a number of 18650 battery cells and battery chargers on the Internet. Some of the best known brand names for lithium batteries and chargers include Sanyo, Panasonic, Samsung, Ultrafire and Tenergy. Tenergy offers consumers Li-ion battery cells as well as chargers. The universal plug-in charger made by the company is designed specifically for 18650 Li-ion batteries. Especially adaptable for traveling, you can carry the lightweight device with your other digital equipment and never have to worry about your batteries losing their ability to keep items running, such as your cell phone or laptop.  Therefore, you can plug in the charger anywhere in the world and have access to your notebook, laptop, or PDA without the worry that you will be without a personal means in which to communicate.

It’s helpful to understand how a lithium battery works and how the metal impacts our daily lives. Look on the Internet for all your lithium battery and charger needs.