Current status of lithium ion and lithium polymer secondary batteries

Lithium ion batteries have only a short history in battery technology, but the remarkable growth in sales of these batteries has allowed them to take a leading position in the rechargeable battery field. The present status of these batteries in terms of performance, market and manufacturers is reviewed. The newly developing lithium ion polymer batteries may experience a similar growth to liquid electrolyte lithium ion batteries and take a major share in the rechargeable battery market, if they can solve some long standing problems. The companies taking a leading role and the status of their products is also reviewed. The potentiality for future growth is also discussed.