Lithium-Ion Battery
A rechargeable cell in which lithium ions shuttle between a graphite anode and a metal oxide cathode.
Formula / equation
LiCoO₂ + C₆ ⇌ Li₁₋ₓCoO₂ + LiₓC₆
Unit
V
In depth
No metallic lithium is formed; the ions simply intercalate between layers in each electrode, which is what makes the process reversible over hundreds of cycles. Cell voltage is around 3.7 V and energy density is very high, but overheating risks thermal runaway.
Examples in the real world
Powering smartphones, laptops and electric vehicles; the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry recognised its development.