Lithium-ion batteries have higher voltage than other types of batteries, meaning they can store more energy and discharge more power for high-energy uses like driving a car at high speeds or providing emergency backup power. Many fast-growing technologies designed to address climate change depend on lithium, including electric vehicles. While the battery is discharging and providing an electric current, the anode releases lithium ions to the cathode, generating a flow of electrons from one side to the other. Yet, few people truly understand lithium ion battery how it works — the science that enables such compact devices to store immense amounts of energy. This stored chemical energy is potential energy—energy waiting to be unleashed. The trick is to design a system. Lithium ions are highly effective energy storage units due to their unique electrochemical properties, lightweight characteristics, and the ability to undergo reversible reactions in batteries.
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