Lithium batteries are used as backup power sources for electronic equipment. Lithium batteries can be divided into two large groups: those providing full backup power to run a piece of equipment during a power outage; and lithium batteries for memory backup, which does not provide active power to run a piece of equipment. A lithium battery can also be used as a long-term power sources for memory components to retain necessary information. In the United States, lithium batteries carry designations such as AAAA, AAA, N, 1/3 AA, 2/3 AA, AA, 1/2 A, 2/3 A, A, 4/5 Cs, Cs, C, 1/2 D, D. Nonstandard disposable primary battery include prismatic cells, coin or button cells, sachet cells, lantern batteries, and battery packs. 

Lithium batteries consist of a lithium anode, an organic electrolyte that conducts the current, and a cathode. Lithium cobalt oxide, a material from which lithium can be easily removed, is the most common cathode compound for a lithium battery. When lithium batteries are charged, lithium ions are driven from the cathode into the anode. When the charge is removed, the lithium flows back to the cathode.

Lithium batteries are used as backup power sources for electronic equipment. Lithium batteries can be divided into two large groups: those providing full backup power to run a piece of equipment during a power outage; and lithium batteries for memory backup, which does not provide active power to run a piece of equipment. A lithium battery can also be used as a long-term power sources for memory components to retain necessary information. In the United States, lithium batteries carry designations such as AAAA, AAA, N, 1/3 AA, 2/3 AA, AA, 1/2 A, 2/3 A, A, 4/5 Cs, Cs, C, 1/2 D, D. Nonstandard disposable primary battery include prismatic cells, coin or button cells, sachet cells, lantern batteries, and battery packs. 

Lithium batteries consist of a lithium anode, an organic electrolyte that conducts the current, and a cathode. Lithium cobalt oxide, a material from which lithium can be easily removed, is the most common cathode compound for a lithium battery. When lithium batteries are charged, lithium ions are driven from the cathode into the anode. When the charge is removed, the lithium flows back to the cathode.

Lithium batteries are available in both primary (nonrechargeable) and secondary (rechargeable) types. Primary lithium batteries provide long-term storage life and long operational life over a wide range of temperatures. Common types of a primary lithium battery include lithium sulfur dioxide batteries (Li/SO₂), lithium thionyl chloride batteries (Li/SOCl₂), lithium manganese dioxide batteries (LiMnO₂), lithium carbon monofluoride (Li/(CF)_n)batteries, lithium copper oxide batteries (LI/CuO), lithium iodine batteries(LiI₂), and lithium anode reserve batteries (including lithium vanadium pentoxide, lithium thionyl chloride, and lithium sulfur dioxide styles).

Lithium batteries are available in many secondary rechargeable styles. Common types of secondary lithium batteries include lithium iron sulfide batteries (Li Fe S_x), lithium manganese titanium batteries (Li Mn Ti), and lithium polymer batteries. Secondary lithium batteries also include lithium-ion batteries such as lithium cobalt oxide batteries (Li Co O₂), lithium nickel oxide batteries (Li Ni O₂), and lithium manganese oxide batteries (Li Mn₂ O₄). Lithium-vanadium pentoxide batteries (Li V₂ O₅), lithium manganese dioxide batteries (Li Mn O₂), and lithium titanium disulfide batteries (Li TiS₂) are also available.