C. Lithium ions move from anode to cathode through the electrolyte.

Wed, 06 May 2026 04:53:56 +0000

The Critical Role of Lithium-Ion Movement from Anode to Cathode in Battery Function Lithium-ion batteries power the modern world—from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems. At the heart of their operation lies a fundamental electrochemical process: the movement of lithium ions from the anode to the cathode through the electrolyte. Understanding this ion migration is essential for appreciating how lithium-ion batteries deliver reliable energy storage and support the clean energy transition. ### What Happens Inside a Lithium-Ion Battery? A typical lithium-ion battery consists of three main components: the anode (usually graphite), the cathode (made of lithium metal oxides like lithium cobalt oxide or lithium iron phosphate), and an electrolyte that facilitates ion flow. During discharge—when the battery powers a device—lithium ions (Li⁺) detach from the anode, migrate through the electrolyte, and migrate to the cathode.