Lithium-Ion Battery Discharge
LiC6 + CoO2 → C6 + LiCoO2
Overview
During discharge, lithium ions deintercalate from the graphite anode and intercalate into the cobalt oxide cathode through a non-aqueous electrolyte. The cell voltage is 3.6–3.7 V with energy density of 150–265 Wh/kg. Pioneered by Goodenough, Whittingham, and Yoshino who shared the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Participants
Everyday Example
Your smartphone, laptop, wireless earbuds, and electric car all run on lithium-ion batteries using variations of this chemistry.
Industrial Importance
Li-ion batteries are a $50+ billion market growing at 20%+ annually, enabling the electric vehicle revolution and grid-scale energy storage.
Properties
- Type
- Electrochemical
- Reversible
- Yes
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -250.0 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Alkaline Battery Discharge
Anodizing of Aluminum
Cathodic Protection (Zinc Sacrificial Anode)
Chlor-Alkali Electrolysis
Chrome Electroplating
Copper Electroplating
Daniell Cell (Zinc-Copper Galvanic Cell)
Electrochemical CO₂ Reduction to CO
Electrochemical Machining (ECM)
Electrolysis of Molten NaCl (Downs Process)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Lithium-Ion Battery Discharge?
The balanced equation is: LiC₆ + CoO₂ → C₆ + LiCoO₂.
What type of reaction is Lithium-Ion Battery Discharge?
Lithium-Ion Battery Discharge is a electrochemical reaction. It is reversible under certain conditions.
Is Lithium-Ion Battery Discharge exothermic or endothermic?
Lithium-Ion Battery Discharge is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -250.0 kJ/mol.