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Electrolytes

Electrolytes play a critical role in lithium-ion batteries by enabling ion transport between the cathode and anode, which is crucial for battery performance and stability. As battery technology has evolved, …

Separator materials

The separator between the anode and cathode in lithium-ion batteries plays a vital role in safety and performance. Its primary function is to prevent electrical short circuits, by keeping the …

Anode materials

The anode (negative electrode) is another critical component of a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The performance of a battery depends not only on the type of material used for the anode, …

Cathode materials

In lithium-ion batteries, the cathode (positive electrode) is a major factor in the overall cost. To evaluate cathode materials, we consider several key factors: energy, power density, lifespan and safety. …

Nickel-metal hydride batteries

Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries were introduced to the market in 1989 and are commonly used in portable devices like phones and computers (Berg, 2015). These batteries work by moving hydrogen …

Chemistry

The name lithium-ion battery (Li-ion battery or LiB) comes from the movement of lithium ions (Li+) within it, which results in the storage and release of electrical energy. The choice …

Lead-acid batteries

The first rechargeable battery, the lead-acid battery, was invented in 1859 by Gaston Plante. It works by using two lead plates immersed in sulfuric acid, separated by a fabric. In …

Electrochemical cells

Electrochemical cells store energy through the conversion of electrical energy into chemical energy, which can later be converted back into electrical energy when needed. Electrochemical cells include various devices like …

Basic electrochemical principles

Electrochemical cells facilitate the conversion between electrical and chemical energy. When discharging, the electrochemical cell converts chemical energy into electrical energy, operating as a galvanic cell. Conversely, when charging, it …

Mechanical and thermal energy storage

Different technologies can be used to capture and store energy. We will briefly describe some of them here and in the next step. Mechanical energy storage Mechanical energy storage is …

Storing energy

Energy is one of the essential needs for our survival and the improvement of our quality of life (Armaroli & Balzani, 2007). In the 21st century, huge consumption of energy …