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Distinguishing between a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery and a lithium polymer (LiPo) battery can be challenging, but there are a few key differences you can look for:
Physical Appearance: LiPo batteries are often pouch-shaped and flexible due to their polymer electrolyte. Li-ion batteries are typically more rigid and can come in cylindrical or prismatic shapes.
Packaging: LiPo batteries are usually enclosed in a flexible foil pouch, whereas Li-ion batteries are commonly found in hard-shell cases or cylindrical shapes.
Weight and Size: LiPo batteries tend to be slightly lighter and can have a higher energy density, which means they can pack more energy into a smaller size compared to Li-ion batteries.
Voltage: Li-ion batteries usually have a nominal voltage of around 3.6-3.7V, while LiPo batteries often have a nominal voltage of 3.7V per cell.
Applications: LiPo batteries are commonly used in remote-control vehicles, drones, and other hobbyist electronics due to their flexibility and ability to deliver high currents. Li-ion batteries are found in laptops, smartphones, and various portable electronic devices.
Charge and Discharge Rates: LiPo batteries can often handle higher charge and discharge rates compared to Li-ion batteries.
Internal Structure: If you can safely disassemble the battery (not recommended unless you're experienced), you might be able to identify differences in the internal structure, such as the separator material and electrolyte.
Labeling: If you can find any labels or markings on the battery, they might provide information about the chemistry.
