Li-Polymer

Looks like the next new technological breakthrough for batteries is the lithium Polymer cells. These cells are pretty similar to Li-Ion batteries except these are of a more solid construction. The polymer cells hold the salt electrolyte in a polyethylene oxide or polyacrylonitrile. The Li-Ion cells are designed with an organic solvent. The new design does not need the 0.25 - 0.4 mm thick aluminum casing but can get by with a 0.1 mm casing saving costs and resources. Li-ions are rolled up like a jelly roll, and the polymers are stacked like a sandwich. Easier to construct. They will still be 3.6V like the old cells.

Not much, but there are technological advances out there that will affect us.

[N2RJ]

They've been around for a bit, IIRC.

My old Compaq iPAQ H3635 used a Li-Poly battery, and so does my IBM thinkpad T40.

[N3ATS]

My little toy RC helicopter has one of those in it, and it has been recalled for a fire hazard.

[AC0FP]

There appears to be a new Li battery out there now. LiFePO4 or Lithium Iron Phosphate, they are among the longest lived batteries ever developed. Test data in the laboratory show up to 2000 charge/discharge cycles. The working voltage is a little lower than Lithium ion, namely 3.3 volts to 2.0 volts and they don't have quite as good amp/hr capacity. The good news is they are a lot safer. This battery has high charge and discharge rates.

It may be awhile before they are mainstream as the battery manufactures are only offering samples to Engineering companies.

73, 8)