Inside a lithium-ion battery
While the battery is charging
Lithium-ions (Li+) flow from the cathode to the anode.
Cathode
Electrolyte
Anode
1
2
3
Li+ are trapped
between layers
of cathode
material.
Li+ flow through the electrolyte.
When all Li+
are in
layers of anode material,
charging is
complete.
The separator ensures only Li+ pass.
Charger
electron flow
While the battery is in use
The same process happens, but in reverse. Li+ flow from the anode
to the cathode. When the anode is empty, the battery needs to be charged.
Cathode
Electrolyte
Anode
Li+ flow
electron flow
Device
Quartz | qz.com
Inside a lithium-ion battery
While the battery is charging
Lithium-ions (Li+) flow from the cathode
to the anode.
Cathode
Electrolyte
Anode
1
2
3
The separator ensures only Li+ pass.
Charger
electron flow
Li+ are trapped between layers of cathode
material.
1
Li+ flow through the electrolyte.
2
When all Li+ are in layers of anode material, charging is complete.
3
While the battery is in use
The same process happens, but in reverse.
Li+ flow from the anode to the cathode.
When the anode is empty, the battery needs
to be charged.
Cathode
Electrolyte
Anode
Li+ flow
electron flow
Device
Quartz | qz.com
Inside a lithium-ion battery
While the battery is charging
Lithium-ions (Li+) flow from
the cathode to the anode.
Electrolyte
Cathode
Anode
1
2
3
The separator ensures only Li+ pass.
Charger
electron flow
Li+ are trapped between layers
of cathode material.
1
Li+ flow through the electrolyte.
2
When all Li+ are in layers of anode material, charging is complete.
3
While the battery is in use
The same process happens, but
in reverse. Li+ flow from the
anode to the cathode. When the
anode is empty, the battery
needs to be charged.
Cathode
Electrolyte
Anode
Li+ flow
electron flow
Device
Quartz | qz.com