How Lithium-Ion Batteries Work

The electrochemical shuttle moving lithium ions between graphite and metal oxide electrodes.

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Step 11. Ion De-intercalation

Lithium ions leave the graphite anode structure.

Chemical potential forces lithium ions to release an electron into the negative terminal.

Step 1 of 4How Lithium-Ion Batteries Work

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Batteries store energy by moving lithium ions between two chemical sides like a rocking chair.

Key Takeaways

✓Discharging: Lithium ions flow inside the battery while electrons flow through your phone's screen to power it.
✓Charging: A charger forces ions and electrons back to the starting side.
✓A porous separator prevents short circuits while letting ions pass.

The Chemical Rocking Chair

Inside every smartphone, laptop, and electric car is a Lithium-Ion battery.

Think of it as an electrochemical rocking chair: - When Discharging (Using your phone): Lithium ions leave the Anode (negative side), swim through a liquid electrolyte, and dock into the Cathode (positive side). Meanwhile, electrons can't pass through the electrolyte, so they are forced to travel through your phone's processor and screen, powering your device! - When Charging: The wall charger pushes the electrons and ions back to the anode side.