Lithium batteries are typically referred to by the broad term: Lithium-Ion. However, there are actually several different ‘flavours’ of Lithium-Ion in common use, each with their own unique performance characteristics.
Here are the most common…
Iron Phosphate (LFP or LiFePO4)
Deep cycle energy storage systems. Highly stable, long cycle life, high power density. No expensive Nickel or toxic Cobalt!
Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC)
Popular for EVs & eBikes. Less stable, moderate cycle life, highest energy density. Contains Nickel & Cobalt!
Cobalt Oxide (LCO)
Popular for laptops, tablets, & smartphones. Less stable, & moderate cycle life, but high energy density. Contains Cobalt!
Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA)
Similar applications to LCO. Less stable, moderate cycle life & energy density, but cheap. Contains Cobalt!
Titanate (LTO)
Highly stable, very long cycle life, fast charging, moderate energy density, very expensive. No Cobalt!
Polymer (LiPO)
More correctly referred to as ‘pouch cells’. Chemistry is usually Cobalt-based (ie LCO, NCA, or NMC)
Deep-cycle energy storage systems for homes, commercial, and industrial projects are typically Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4, or ‘LFP’) due to cost, stability, safety, & cycle life performance. Cycle life can be 3x that of NMC depending on the grade quality of the cells. Of course, the lack of Cobalt in LFP is also an important consideration, as the mining practices are brought to light, and the ability to recycle spent batteries is a growing concern. Cobalt, being extremely toxic, poses serious concerns. If a battery spec sheet states “Li-Ion” or “Lithium-Ion”, or simply “Lithium”, then chances are good that the manufacturer is using one of the Cobalt blends (NMC, LCO, NCA).
Note that the vast majority of personal electronics, including cell phones, laptops, tablets, & cameras, use the cobalt blends (usually LCO). Please be kind to your device batteries to keep them in operation as long as possible!
Comprehensive Lithium Chemistry Comparison
For an excellent review of each chemistry, the pros & cons, performance features, and differences in specifications, I will refer you to Battery University articles on the subject :
https://batteryuniversity.com/article/bu-205-types-of-lithium-ion
https://batteryuniversity.com/article/bu-216-summary-table-of-lithium-based-batteries
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