What is a lithium ion battery?

Lithium-ion cells can be manufactured to optimize energy or power density. Handheld electronics mostly use lithium polymer batteries (with a polymer gel as an electrolyte), a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO 2 or NMC) may offer longer life and a higher discharge rate.

How does a lithium battery work?

These reactions can be run in reverse to recharge the cell. In this case, the lithium ions leave the lithium cobalt oxide cathode and migrate back to the anode, where they are reduced back to neutral lithium and reincorporated into the graphite network. Batteries convert chemical energy directly to electrical energy.

What is a lithium ion battery used for?

A lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery that uses lithium ions to store and release electrical energy. It is commonly used in portable electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles. How does a lithium-ion battery store energy?

What makes a lithium battery a battery?

The electrolyte is formed of salts, solvents and additives, and serves as the conduit of lithium ions between the cathode and anode. Finally there is the separator, the physical barrier that keeps the cathode and anode apart. Lithium batteries have a much higher energy density than other batteries.

What are the components of a lithium battery?

A lithium battery is formed of four key components. It has the cathode, which determines the capacity and voltage of the battery and is the source of the lithium ions. The anode enables the electric current to flow through an external circuit and when the battery is charged, lithium ions are stored in the anode.

What makes a lithium battery a good battery?

Finally there is the separator, the physical barrier that keeps the cathode and anode apart. Lithium batteries have a much higher energy density than other batteries. They can have up to 150 watt-hours (WH) of energy per kilogram (kg), compared to nickel-metal hydride batteries at 60-70WH/kg and lead acid ones at 25WH/kg.