Um, what kind of lithium chemistry do I have?

[jzmtl]

So I bought a set of ultralast 3.0v 700mah lithium ion cells (2 cells and smart charger for $15). I don't think they are protected because there's no claim about it. I always assumed they are the 3.7v lithium cobalt oxide with a 3.0v circuit like those tenergy cells, but when I looked at them I don't think they are.

Email to manufacturer went unanswered rolleyes. Here is what I have. The charger claim puts out 3.6v 360 ma (DMM measured 3.7), cell hot off the charger measured 3.3v. Could these be lithium iron phosphate? I didn't expect them to be consider how cheap they are, and also I thought iron phosphate is 3.6v.

So I'm lost, what do I have here?

You can see the pack on first page of this pdf: http://nabcorp.com/pdf/ul_photolithium.pdf

 

[Marduke]

Definitely not Li-Ion. They would measure 3.7-4.2v+ open circuit, and 3.0-3.2v under load if they were the protected, bucked Li-Ion cells.

 

[jzmtl]

It says li-ion right here on the cell wrapper, and they work fine in my 123a lights. So what the heck do I have here.

They are definately rechargeable, I've topped them off many times and I know others who have used them for a while with no complains.

 

[NA8]

Run them in your light. If they have only half the usual capacity, they might be the LiFePO4.

Bunch of charger voltages in this thread.

http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=125353

 

[jzmtl]

Hmm, very well could be. 3.2v nominal, check. Charger puts out 3.6v, check. His is 500mah and mine is 700mah, so either aw has protection circuit or the manufactuer just pulled a number out of their behind.

 

[mdocod]

As I understand, a 3.7V cell with voltage regulation circuitry will measure something to the effect of 3.8V open circuit. If you are measuring only 3.7V at the charger, there is a very good chance these are LiFeP04 or something similar. There isn't much price difference between these chemistries anyways, so it's possible.

 

[NA8]

His is 500mah and mine is 700mah, so either aw has protection circuit or the manufactuer just pulled a number out of their behind.

I recall the 500mah rated batteries (AW's LiFePO4 I think) are supposed to outlast the so called 700-750mah rated batteries. I think someone got carried away with the 700+ ratings.