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Lithium batteries are being used in a broad range of applications, from quarts watches and clocks,Abackup power sources for IC memories requiring long-term reliability over 10 years to PC motherboards, PDA and car keyless entry systems. The market for lithium batteries is, therefore, rapidly expanding. Within this diversifying field of electronics, Sony is developing and producing lithium batteries from a new perspective: it is fulfilling market needs while accumulating data on discharge characteristics, long-term reliability, and safety characteristics of batteries. Lithium metal, used for the anode in lithium batteries, has the largest electric capacity per unit weight (3.86 Ah/g) among all the materials usable for the anode. Thus, batteries with a high energy density can be produced. Also, by using different active materials for the cathode, batteries with diverse characteristics can be made. Sony has commercialized the Lithium Manganese Dioxide Battery, which uses manganese dioxide for the active cathode material for superior stability.

Lightweight, High Voltage and High Energy Density

The battery voltage is 3V, almost double that of conventional batteries. This means that the number of batteries required for equipment can be halved for maximum space saving and weight reduction.

Excellent Discharge Characteristics

Voltage characteristics remain stable even for a long period of discharge, greatly improving the reliability of equipment that uses the battery. Such equipment is also maintenance-free (battery replacement is seldom required).

Outstanding Temperature Characteristics

Sony's original organic electrolyte provides superb characteristics over a wide temperature range of -30 to +70 degrees C.

Excellent Leakage Resistance

The newly developed battery construction and electrolyte ensure maximum leakage resistance over a long span of time.

Excellent Long-Term Reliability

Carefully selected stable materials are used for the active material as well as for the electrolyte. These materials are sealed by Sony's innovative technology to minimize battery self-discharge. The annual selfdischarge rate at room temperature is approximately 1% of the nominal capacity.

Specially processed manganese dioxide (MnO2) is used for the active cathode material, and high-voltage, high-activity lithium metal for the anode material. The electrolyte is lithium salt molten into an organic solution to ensure easy transmission of high voltage and high energy to the exterior.

Battery discharge reactions are as follows:

With open circuit voltage of approx. 3V, the battery voltage is extremely stable and impedance remains low and stable during discharge.