There are three types of lithium ion cells based on different cathode materials. They are lithium cobalt oxide, lithium manganese oxide and lithium iron phosphate types. Although lithium cobalt oxide cell has the advantage of high energy density, it suffers from safety concerns. Lithium manganese oxide cell has been evaluated for the application on high rate due to the better safety characteristics. However, its high temperature performance is the major drawback.

The safety characteristics inherent to LiFePo4 battery result from the incorporation of phosphates as the cathode material. Phosphates are extremely stable in overcharge or short circuit conditions and have the ability to withstand high temperatures without decomposing. When abuse does occur, phosphates are not prone to thermal runaway and will not burn. As a result, LiFePo4 technology possesses safety characteristics that are fundamentally superior to those of lithium-ion batteries made with other cathode materials.

LiFePo4 technology does not contain any heavy metals and does not exhibit the memory effect of NiCD batteries and Nickel-metal Hydride solutions. LiFePo4 technology demonstrates excellent shelf life, long cycle life and is maintenance free.

Another key advantage of LiFePo4 technology is its flexibility, in terms of battery application and cell design. It can be used in wound cylindrical, wound prismatic and polymer battery construction types and manufactured to fit smaller applications.

The advantages of traditional lithium-ion coupled with the safety features of phosphates, make LiFePo4 technology the polymer lithium ion battery for the future. LiFePo4 technology utilizes natural, phosphate-based material and offers the greatest combination of performance, safety, cost, reliability and environmental characteristics.

The safety of lithium battery is guaranteed by using LiFePO4 as anode pole. LiFePO4 is one kind of phosphate gathering the anion, the P-O chemical bond is extremely strong, material is thermodynamically stable, do not worry about it can release the oxygen, simultaneously LiFePO4’s olivine crystal structure decides its crystal lattice deformation smaller in the sufficient electric discharge process, its material structure is stable and safe, and also its cycle life are extremely long. These characteristics also make LiFePO4 18650 battery withstand oxidation and acidic environment, the battery has more electrolyte choice, the battery performance can be optimized.