Rectangular lithium-ion rechargeable batteries Large-capacity laminated lithium-ion rechargeable batteries This is truly a mobile age, Various types of mobile devices such as cell phones, digital still cameras, portable digital audio players, portable game devices and laptop computers are used in business and daily life. These mobile devices must have high capacities, but also be superbly small, lightweight batteries. Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are around 1/2 the size and 1/3 to 1/2 the weight of other small rechargeable battery types. Rectangular and laminated types are very thin at 3 to 6 mm, contributing to compact, lightweight and thin devices. Thus the market has grown rapidly in the past 10 years since these batteries went on sale in 1994, becoming essential components for mobile devices. Refresh functions are not needed, and extended recharging is possible as there is no memory effect that reduces apparent capacities present in nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries. Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are also environmentally-friendly as they do not use harmful substances such as mercury, cadmium or lead.