Unlike other lithium cells that have chemistries tuned to obtaining the greatest capacity in a given package, lithium-iron disulfide cells are a compromise. To match to existing equipment and circuits, their chemistry has been tailored to the standard nominal 1.5-volt output (whereas other lithium technologies produce double that). These cells are consequently sometimes termed voltage-compatible lithium batteries. Unlike other lithium technologies, lithium-iron disulfide cells are not rechargeable.

What is the structure of a lithium cell?

Internally, the lithium-iron disulfide cell is a sandwich of a lithium anode, a separator, and iron disulfide cathode with an aluminum cathode collector. The cells are sealed but vented. The Lithium P7 uses special venting and components to ensure optimal safety and performance.

How does the Camelion Lithium P7 compare with other lithium batteries?

Camelion lithium P7 batteries use specially formulated venting technology to ensure maximum safety. Some lithium batteries on the market tend to have safety problems, potentially leading to damage and injury by heat or explosion.

What are some other advantages of the Lithium P7?

Compared to the alkaline cells, lithium-iron disulfide cells are lighter (weighing about 66% of same-size alkaline cells), higher in capacity, and longer in life. Even after ten years of shelf storage, lithium-iron disulfide cells still retain most of their capacity.

How does the Lithium P7 perform under high and low loads?

Lithium iron-disulfide cells operate best under heavier loads (high drain devices). This advantage is less at lower loads (low drain devices), however, and at very light loads may disappear entirely. For example, under a 20 mA (milli ampere) load one manufacturer rates its AA-size lithium-disulfide cells to provide power for about 122 hours while its alkaline cells will last for 135 hours. With a one ampere load, however, the lithium disulfide cells last for 2.1 hours versus only 0.8 for alkaline.

How does the Lithium P7 compare to regular zinc carbon batteries?

You can use lithium iron-disulfide cells wherever you might use zinc-carbon batteries, although they are cost-effective only under high-current loads such as flash cameras.