how do rechargeable batteries work?
In: Technology
The discharge reaction is forced to go in reverse.
For lithium-ion batteries, the most common consumer and automotive battery in use (other than automotive lead acid, perhaps), lithium ions and electrons move from the anode (graphite) to the cathode (metal oxide material) during discharge. The lithium ions move through the battery, through the electrolyte, across the separator. electrons move through the external circuit and power the device.
During recharge, the opposite happens. electrons and lithium ions flow from the cathode to the anode. This takes provided energy (i.e. from a charger) b/c the electrodes are shifting from a lower energy state (voltage) to a higher one.
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