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