What are lithium ion batteries?

Lithium ion batteries are like the superheroes of the energy storage world. They pack a powerful punch in a compact package, making them ideal for various applications. But what exactly are lithium ion batteries? Let’s dive into their inner workings.

At their core, lithium ion batteries consist of two electrodes – a cathode and an anode – separated by an electrolyte. The magic happens when they’re charged or discharged. During charging, lithium ions in the cathode move through the electrolyte to the anode, where they get stored. And when it’s time to unleash that stored energy, those ions flow back from the anode to the cathode.

Why do we love these batteries so much? Well, for starters, they have high energy density. This means they can store a large amount of power relative to their size and weight. So whether you need juice for your smartphone or electric vehicle, lithium ion batteries deliver impressive performance.

Another perk is their rechargeability. Unlike some other battery types that lose capacity over time with each charge cycle, lithium ion batteries maintain their efficiency even after hundreds (or even thousands) of charges.

But wait! Like any superhero, lithium ion batteries also have weaknesses lurking beneath their shiny exterior…