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What Are The Differences Between 2032 Battery Chemistries?

   There are a few common battery chemistries that have an effect on a battery’s energy density, performance under varying temperatures, shelf life, rechargeability, and gravimetric capacity. Each battery chemistry performs better in certain situations as opposed to others. In this brief article, we’ll decode the abbreviations and show you the advantages of different battery chemistry types.

CR Battery Chemistry
   CR denotes Lithium Manganese Dioxide (LiMn02). These kinds of batteries are often used in cameras because of their high energy density and ability to perform in low-temperature environments. CR batteries are also used in smoke alarms and security applications. Anything that requires a small high-powered battery probably uses Lithium Manganese Dioxide chemistry.

CR Batteries:

  1. Provide a high density charge in a small package
  2. Work well in digital cameras  and computer peripherals
  3. Can handle low temperatures relatively well
  4. Discharge quickly and evenly (for a camera flash)
  5. Have a great shelf life

BR Battery Chemistry
   BR denotes Lithium/Carbon Monofluoride Li-(CF)x. Batteries with this kind of chemistry are well known for their superior shelf life. BR batteries often last 7 years on the shelf. They have one of the slowest self-discharge rates of any battery on the market. That’s why they are commonly used in clocks, pacemakers, and not surprisingly, long range missiles.

BR Batteries:

  1. Last up to 7 years on the shelf
  2. Have been used in space applications since 1976
  3. Can be found in pacemakers
  4. Function up to 85 degrees Celsius
  5. Usually discharge less than 0.5% each year

ML Battery Chemistry
   The ML battery type also uses Lithium Manganese Dioxide but instead of using the manganese oxide compound in the negative electrode, it is used in the positive electrode. This new configuration makes the ML chemistry type ideal for cell phones and other small communications devices.

ML Batteries:

  1. Can charge at voltages as low as 3V
  2. Have a much larger energy capacity
  3. Can withstand high charge voltages
  4. Are a perfect fit for cell phones
  5. Use a lithium/aluminum alloy in the electrode

VL Battery Chemistry
   A Lithium Ion chemistry that works well in camcorder and rechargeable electronics applications. Batteries with the VL designation have no memory effect, meaning they can be charged to full capacity at any point in the charge cycle. You don’t need to empty the charge before recharging.

VL Batteries:

  1. Have a high energy capacity
  2. Are perfect for camcorders
  3. Can be recharged at any point in the charge cycle

LIR Battery Chemistry
   Unlike the other chemistries, the LIR chemisty has a voltage of 3.6V instead of 3V. This chemistry is rechargeable, however a protective circuit is absolutely necessary due to the very high energy density of this type of cell. LIR2032 batteries are frequently used in car security systems, memory backup batteries in electronic devices, electronic watches, and many other applications.

LIR Batteries:

  1. Have a voltage of 3.6V rather than 3V
  2. Have an extremely high energy density
  3. Are rechargeable, but require a protection circuit