Common types of rechargeable batteries are lead-acid, nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion (Li-ion), lithium-ion polymer (LiPo), and rechargeable alkaline batteries.
The lead-acid battery is the oldest type of rechargeable battery, invented in 1859. These types of batteries have changed little since that time and are still used today.
The Lithium-Ion battery is used where lightweight and high energy density are important factors. Lithium Ions move from the negative to the positive electrode during discharge and back when charging. The electrodes in these types of batteries are made up of lightweight lithium and carbon. The Li-ion is the fastest-growing battery option, with applications including cellular phones and notebook computers. Emerging in the early 1990s alongside Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries, the Lithium-Ion battery now promises the most promising battery chemistry.
The Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) type of battery is used when price, a high discharge rate, and battery life are important. The Nickel Cadmium battery is NOT environmentally friendly due to toxic metals contained in it, and its main uses are for professional power tools, professional video cameras, biomedical equipment, and two-way radios.
Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Battery batteries are closely connected to the above-mentioned Nickel-Cadmium batteries, with the hydrogen being used as the active element rather than cadmium. In comparison to the Nickel-Cadmium battery, the Nickel-Metal Hydride battery has a higher energy density. Unlike NiCd, this battery does NOT contain toxic metals and is usually used in mobile phones and laptops.
The Lithium-Ion Polymer battery offers similar elements to the Li-ion battery in an ultra-slim and simplified packaging form. It is of lithium-ion technology in a pouch format. This makes them lighter, but less rigid. The Li-polymer is different from other batteries in the type of electrolyte used, a dry solid polymer electrolyte. Rather than conducting electricity, this electrolyte allows an exchange of ions (electrically charged atoms or groups of atoms). The Samsung entry-level smartphone A11 uses a lithium-ion polymer battery.