What is a lithium ion battery?

A lithium-ion battery, also known as the Li-ion battery, is a type of secondary (rechargeable) battery composed of cells in which lithium ions move from the anode through an electrolyte to the cathode during discharge and back when charging.

Do lithium ion batteries use elemental lithium?

That’s why lithium-ion batteries don’t use elemental lithium. Instead, lithium-ion batteries typically contain a lithium-metal oxide, such as lithium-cobalt oxide (LiCoO 2). This supplies the lithium-ions. Lithium-metal oxides are used in the cathode and lithium-carbon compounds are used in the anode.

How does recharging a lithium ion battery work?

Here is the full reaction (left to right = discharging, right to left = charging): LiC 6 + CoO 2 ⇄ C 6 + LiCoO 2 How does recharging a lithium-ion battery work? When the lithium-ion battery in your mobile phone is powering it, positively charged lithium ions (Li+) move from the negative anode to the positive cathode.

What is a Li ion battery?

Li-ion batteries, in general, have a high energy density, no memory effect, and low self-discharge. One of the most common types of cells is 18650 battery, which is used in many laptop computer batteries, cordless power tools, certain electric cars, electric kick scooters, most e-bikes, portable power banks, and LED flashlights.

How does a lithium battery work?

When the battery is charging, the lithium ions flow from the cathode to the anode, and the electrons move from the anode to the cathode. As long as lithium ions are making the trek from one electrode to another, there is a constant flow of electrons. This provides the energy to keep your device running.

What happens in a lithium-ion battery when charging?

What happens in a lithium-ion battery when charging (© 2019 Let’s Talk Science based on an image by ser_igor via iStockphoto). When the battery is charging, the lithium ions flow from the cathode to the anode, and the electrons move from the anode to the cathode.