Question

How are lithium ion batteries different from regular batteries?

How does this allow for a rechargeable battery?

Answer 1

Lithium ion batteries are more reliable than nickel-cadmium (NiCd, pronounced "nicad") and don't suffer from a problem known as the "memory effect.

Lithium battery consist of cells, also known as power generating zones. The components of battery include, a +ve electrode made of Lithium Cobalt oxide , a negative electrode made from graphite and a electrolyte.

When the battery gets charged, some of the lithium ions   from the +ve electrode are given up, these ions move through the electrode to the –ve graphite electrode and remains there. The battery takes in and stores energy during this process.

During the discharge of battery, the lithium ions move back across the electrolyte to the positive electrode, producing the energy that powers the battery. In both cases, electrons flow in the opposite direction to the ions around the outer circuit.

The chemical reactions in a rechargeable battery are reversible: when the battery is discharging the reactions go one way and the battery gives out power; when the battery is charging, the reactions go in the opposite direction and the battery absorbs power