Mystery Behind How Does the Lithium-Ion Battery Functions?
Lithium-ion batteries tend to power the lives of numerous people every day. The lithium-ion batteries are used as a power source in everyday gadgets we use like the smartphone, laptop, smartwatch, etc. Without these batteries, we couldn’t seamlessly complete all our work and would find ourselves stranded. And this technology is gaining much popularity due to its effective usage. But often a question arises in our mind about how the li-ion battery for phone functions and what is inside it. Therefore, below we will discuss how the battery functions.
Discharge and Charge
When the battery is in a discharged state and provides current, the anode works by releasing the lithium-ion into the cathode, thereby generating a flow electric current from one side to another. Similarly, when the battery is in charging mode the opposite instances of the discharge mode take place. During the charging mode, the cathode tends to release the lithium-ion towards the anode.
Power Density Versus Energy Density
The two most vital concepts that come with batteries are power density and energy density. The energy density of a battery is measured in the terms of watt-hours per kg (wh./kg) and this refers to the energy amount which the battery can store concerning the mass of the battery.
Similarly, the power density refers to the power amount which can be generated by the battery with respect to its mass. The power density of the battery is measured in watt per kg (w/kg).
What’s Inside The Battery
Inside a polymer battery for a smartphone, we will find anode, cathode, electrolyte, separator, and positive and negative current collectors. The function of anode and cathode is to store lithium. It is the function of the electrolyte to carry the positively charged ion from anode to cathode and vice versa with the help of a separator. The electric current flows from the battery to the device through the help of the current collector. And the separator prevents the flow of electrons into the battery.