Lithium-Ion Battery Fundamentals Lithium-ion batteries are ubiquitous these days. They're in your phone, computer, and maybe even your car or RV. But what exactly is a lithium-ion battery? That's why battery companies stock markets with more batteries. Furthermore, what is within a lithium-ion battery that allows it to power your electronics? Let's have a peek! What Exactly Is A Lithium-Ion Battery? Lithium-ion batteries generate an electrical potential between the battery's positive and negative sides. A tiny layer of insulating material known as a "separator" sits between the two sides of the battery, allowing lithium ions to flow while inhibiting electrons. While the battery charges, lithium ions flow from the positive to the negative side of the separator. Ions flow in the opposite way when the battery empties. The mobility of lithium ions results in an electrical potential difference known as "voltage." When you connect your electronic gadgets to a battery, electrons (not lithium-ions) travel through them and power them. What Is a Lithium-Ion Battery Made Of? A lithium battery's internal components include numerous lithium-ion cells (connected in series and parallel), the wires that link the cells, and a battery management system, commonly known as a BMS. The battery management system keeps track of the battery's health and temperature. The BMS also balances the energy across all of the cells at the end of each charge, ensuring that you get the most life and performance out of your lithium-ion battery. Anode and Cathode Electrodes The anode is the negative electrode of a cell. The cathode is the positive side. During charging, lithium ions flow from the cathode to the anode via the separator. The flow reverses during discharge. Graphite is the most often used anode material. Lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, and lithium manganese oxide are common cathode materials. What Is the Definition of Lithium-Ion Battery Electrolyte? The electrolyte of a lithium-ion battery aids in the movement of positive lithium ions between the anode and cathode. A lithium salt is the most frequent electrolyte found within a lithium-ion battery. What exactly is a Separator? The separator is located between the anode and cathode. The separator is a thin sheet of material that permits lithium ions to flow through while conducting no electricity. It stops the anode and cathode from electrically shorting together and causes electrons to flow through your electronic gadget, providing power. The divider also serves an important safety function. If the separator becomes too heated, the pores seal and the lithium ions cannot flow through.