How do lithium batteries work?
Introduction:
We know that the directional movement of batteries produces current, but why do they move? How to move? Why do we say that electrons move in the opposite direction to the current? Let’s get these things straightened out today.
Composition of lithium battery:
We mentioned in another article What are lithium-ion batteries? The composition of lithium-ion batteries includes Anode, Cathode, Electrolyte, Separator, etc. In general, the purpose of this design is to create a potential difference, which forces electrons to flow from the negative electrode to the positive electrode. Due to the existence of the separator, electrons cannot flow directly from the negative electrode to the positive electrode, so the positive and negative electrodes of the electrons will form an open circuit voltage. Once the external circuit is connected, electrons will flow through the external circuit to the positive electrode, a process that results in the release of energy.
How does the electronic move when a lithium battery is charged?
When charging starts, Li+ will detach from the positive electrode, directly reach the negative electrode through the internal separator of the battery, and embed into the negative electrode. At this time, there will be more and more lithium ions on the negative electrode. This process is charging.
The electrons detached from the positive electrode will pass through the internal separator of the battery pack enter the negative electrode of the battery, and then gather on the negative electrode rod. This will cause the negative electrode to be in a lithium-rich state. This lithium-rich process is charging. The electrons in the positive electrode (negatively charged) will also enter the negative electrode through the external circuit in the direction of the charger. This process causes the negative electrode of the lithium battery to not only a large number of lithium ions but also many electrons during charging.
It is worth noting that when charging, electrons move from the positive pole to the negative pole in the external circuit. Still, generally, we think that the current direction is opposite to the direction of electron movement. So, we habitually say that the current flows from the negative to the positive pole.
How does the electronic move when a lithium battery is discharged?
During discharge, contrary to charging, Li+ will pass through the separator from the negative electrode back to the positive electrode of the battery and be nested on the positive electrode. At the same time, electrons will pass from the negative electrode to the positive electrode through the external circuit. Therefore, during charging, the Li+ and electrons lost from the positive electrode will return during discharge, and everything will return to its original state.
Regardless of charging or discharging, the movement directions of Li+ and electrons are consistent.
How should we understand this sentence? First, we need to understand that when charging, Li+ goes from the positive pole to the negative pole, and the electrons also go from the positive pole to the negative pole. The only difference is that Li+ passes directly through the separator, but the electrons pass through the external circuit (through the charger). Therefore, when charging, the movement direction of Li+ and electrons is from the positive electrode to the negative electrode.
During discharge, Li+ passes through the separator from the negative electrode to the positive electrode, and the electrons travel from the external circuit, through the electrical appliance, and then to the positive electrode. Although the paths are different, in general, during discharge, the movement direction of Li+ and electrons is from the negative electrode to the positive electrode.
The role of the Separator
It is precisely because of the existence of the separator that it can allow Li+ to pass through and prevent electrons from passing through, thereby achieving control of battery charging and discharging. This will force electrons to enter the cathode from the negative electrode through an external circuit, releasing energy to the outside.
In summary, the working principle of lithium batteries is mainly due to the ingenious design of lithium electrons. We use potential differences and electrochemical reactions to control the direction of electron movement, thereby realizing the storage and release of energy.
If you are interested in this knowledge, please follow us, and we will continue to share more scientific knowledge.
Author Profile
Thomas Chen
Thomas Chen is a seasoned expert in the new energy industry, with a focus on lithium battery technology. A Shenzhen University alumnus, class of 2010, Thomas has cultivated a wealth of experience through pivotal roles at EVE and BYD. Renowned for his profound insights into the sector, he possesses a unique aptitude for identifying market trends and understanding customer needs. His articles offer a distinctive perspective, drawn from a rich background in the field.
Introduction:
We know that the directional movement of batteries produces current, but why do they move? How to move? Why do we say that electrons move in the opposite direction to the current? Let’s get these things straightened out today.
Composition of lithium battery:
We mentioned in another article What are lithium-ion batteries? The composition of lithium-ion batteries includes Anode, Cathode, Electrolyte, Separator, etc. In general, the purpose of this design is to create a potential difference, which forces electrons to flow from the negative electrode to the positive electrode. Due to the existence of the separator, electrons cannot flow directly from the negative electrode to the positive electrode, so the positive and negative electrodes of the electrons will form an open circuit voltage. Once the external circuit is connected, electrons will flow through the external circuit to the positive electrode, a process that results in the release of energy.
How does the electronic move when a lithium battery is charged?
When charging starts, Li+ will detach from the positive electrode, directly reach the negative electrode through the internal separator of the battery, and embed into the negative electrode. At this time, there will be more and more lithium ions on the negative electrode. This process is charging.
The electrons detached from the positive electrode will pass through the internal separator of the battery pack enter the negative electrode of the battery, and then gather on the negative electrode rod. This will cause the negative electrode to be in a lithium-rich state. This lithium-rich process is charging. The electrons in the positive electrode (negatively charged) will also enter the negative electrode through the external circuit in the direction of the charger. This process causes the negative electrode of the lithium battery to not only a large number of lithium ions but also many electrons during charging.
It is worth noting that when charging, electrons move from the positive pole to the negative pole in the external circuit. Still, generally, we think that the current direction is opposite to the direction of electron movement. So, we habitually say that the current flows from the negative to the positive pole.
How does the electronic move when a lithium battery is discharged?
During discharge, contrary to charging, Li+ will pass through the separator from the negative electrode back to the positive electrode of the battery and be nested on the positive electrode. At the same time, electrons will pass from the negative electrode to the positive electrode through the external circuit. Therefore, during charging, the Li+ and electrons lost from the positive electrode will return during discharge, and everything will return to its original state.
Regardless of charging or discharging, the movement directions of Li+ and electrons are consistent.
How should we understand this sentence? First, we need to understand that when charging, Li+ goes from the positive pole to the negative pole, and the electrons also go from the positive pole to the negative pole. The only difference is that Li+ passes directly through the separator, but the electrons pass through the external circuit (through the charger). Therefore, when charging, the movement direction of Li+ and electrons is from the positive electrode to the negative electrode.
During discharge, Li+ passes through the separator from the negative electrode to the positive electrode, and the electrons travel from the external circuit, through the electrical appliance, and then to the positive electrode. Although the paths are different, in general, during discharge, the movement direction of Li+ and electrons is from the negative electrode to the positive electrode.
The role of the Separator
It is precisely because of the existence of the separator that it can allow Li+ to pass through and prevent electrons from passing through, thereby achieving control of battery charging and discharging. This will force electrons to enter the cathode from the negative electrode through an external circuit, releasing energy to the outside.
In summary, the working principle of lithium batteries is mainly due to the ingenious design of lithium electrons. We use potential differences and electrochemical reactions to control the direction of electron movement, thereby realizing the storage and release of energy.
If you are interested in this knowledge, please follow us, and we will continue to share more scientific knowledge.
Author Profile
Thomas Chen
Thomas Chen is a seasoned expert in the new energy industry, with a focus on lithium battery technology. A Shenzhen University alumnus, class of 2010, Thomas has cultivated a wealth of experience through pivotal roles at EVE and BYD. Renowned for his profound insights into the sector, he possesses a unique aptitude for identifying market trends and understanding customer needs. His articles offer a distinctive perspective, drawn from a rich background in the field.
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