How a lithium-ion battery stores and releases power
Process map by Brian. 14 steps, 2 layers. Tags: technology, batteries, energy.
- Charger: You plug the charger in
- Charger: Voltage pushes electrons through the outside wire to the anode
- Cathode (lithium oxide): Lithium ions leave the cathode and travel through the liquid to the anode
- Anode (graphite): Ions tuck between the graphite layers: the battery is full
- Your device: You unplug and use the device
- Anode (graphite): Ions want to move back, so electrons flow out through the device
- Your device: The device runs on those electrons
- Cathode (lithium oxide): Ions settle back in the cathode: the battery is empty
- Your device: Is it recharged before it is fully drained and kept cool?
- Anode (graphite): The battery lasts for years
- Anode (graphite): Deep drains and heat wear out the layers, and capacity drops