How Lithium Batteries Work: A Simple Explanation
Dec 23, 2025
If you’ve ever wondered why lithium-ion batteries are used in smartphones and EVs, the answer lies in their incredible energy density.
The Core Idea: Moving Lithium = Storing Energy
Think of a battery as a system with two separate tanks of "energy particles" (lithium ions). Charging forces the particles from one tank to the other, storing energy. Discharging lets them flow back, releasing that energy to power your device.
The Main Components:
Anode (Negative Electrode): Usually made of graphite (carbon). This is the "tank" where lithium ions are stored when the battery is charged.
Cathode (Positive Electrode): Made of a lithium metal oxide (like Lithium Cobalt Oxide or Lithium Iron Phosphate). This is the other "tank."
What is the...