Traditional Batteries vs. Lithium-Ion Batteries: Technical Differences Explained

Traditional batteries generally refer to lead-acid batteries, Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) batteries, Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries, etc. These 

batteries have significant technical differences from lithium-ion batteries.

I.Structural Comparison: Generational Leap in Material Systems

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Core components: Cathode (lithium cobalt oxide / ternary materials / lithium iron phosphate), anode (graphite / silicon-based materials), 

micron-scale separator (PP/PE material), liquid electrolyte (lithium hexafluorophosphate solution), and aluminum-plastic film packaging.

Structural advantages: Lightweight design (only 1/3 the weight of lead-acid batteries) and high space utilization (no risk of liquid electrolyte 

leakage).

Traditional Batteries (Taking Lead-Acid Batteries as an Example)

Core components: Cathode (lead dioxide, PbO₂), anode (metallic lead, Pb), porous separator (prevents plate short circuit), sulfuric acid 

electrolyte (H₂SO₄), and rigid plastic casing.

Structural limitations: Plates are prone to sulfation, electrolyte requires regular replenishment, and heavy weight (3 times that of lithium-ion 

batteries with the same capacity).

II.Working Principles: Ion Migration vs. Chemical Reaction

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Rocking-chair effect: During charging, lithium ions are extracted from the cathode and intercalated into the graphite layers of the anode via 

the electrolyte. During discharge, the reverse migration occurs, and electrons do work through the external circuit.

Dynamic characteristics: No chemical reaction by-products, with energy conversion efficiency exceeding 90%.

Traditional Batteries (Taking Lead-Acid Batteries as an Example)

Bipolar sulfation: During discharge, lead sulfate (PbSO₄) is formed on both the cathode and anode. During charging, it is restored to PbO₂ 

and Pb, accompanied by changes in electrolyte density.

Chemical loss: The active material of the plates gradually falls off, leading to capacity degradation and limited cycle life.

III.Application Scenarios: Market Differentiation Driven by Technical Characteristics

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Consumer electronics: Mobile phones, laptops (high energy density requirements).

New energy vehicles: Tesla Model 3 (ternary lithium battery with a range exceeding 500km).

Energy storage systems: Photovoltaic power plants (lithium iron phosphate batteries with long cycle life).

Drones, robots, power tools, etc. (high power and high specific energy).

Traditional Batteries

Automotive starting: Lead-acid batteries (high current discharge capacity, instantly outputting hundreds of amperes).

Power tools: NiMH batteries (no memory effect, suitable for frequent charging and discharging).

Backup power supplies: Lead-acid batteries (low cost and high reliability).

IV.Environmental Protection and Recycling: Generational Gap in Sustainability

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Pollution characteristics: Free of highly toxic heavy metals such as mercury and cadmium, but contain cobalt and nickel that require closed-loop 

recycling.

Traditional Batteries

Pollution characteristics: Lead-acid batteries contain 60% lead by weight, and illegal dismantling causes heavy metal soil pollution.

Recycling status: The recovery rate of lead-acid batteries in China is about 70%, but hidden risks remain in small workshop-style recycling.

V.Technological Evolution: Solid-State Batteries Usher in a New Era

Lithium-ion battery technology will achieve key breakthroughs in 2025:

All-solid-state batteries: Sulfide electrolytes replace liquid electrolytes, with energy density exceeding 400Wh/kg, completely eliminating leakage 

and explosion risks.

Emerging scenarios: Fields such as eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft and humanoid robots are driving demand for 

high-power batteries.