How lithium-ion batteries power our world
Lithium-ion batteries power modern life by efficiently moving ions between electrodes, enabling compact, long-lasting energy storage for everything from phones to electric cars.
Lithium-ion batteries store energy by shuttling tiny lithium ions between two electrodes. When charging, these ions move from a positive electrode (cathode) to a negative one (anode), typically graphite. During use, they flow back, creating electricity. This clever ion-shuttling mechanism, refined by Nobel laureates, allows for high energy density, powering everything from phones to electric cars. Commercialized by Sony in 1991, these compact, lightweight powerhouses now dominate modern electronics and are crucial for sustainable energy, with over 100 billion units produced annually. They even enable electric vehicles to travel hundreds of miles on a single charge.