If you’ve just learned about anodes and cathodes, you’re not alone. These terms are usually only relevant when working on water heaters or vehicle batteries. This article explains the difference in plain language. We’ll discuss what anodes and cathodes are, how they’re manufactured, and how they work.
What Are Battery Anodes And Cathodes?
Anodes and cathodes are the essential components of batteries. They are the electrodes where electrochemical reactions occur, enabling batteries to store and release electrical energy.
The cathode is the positive electrode where reduction occurs, while the anode is the negative electrode where oxidation takes place.
During battery charging, electrons flow from the cathode to the anode, storing energy for later use.
What Materials Are Used In Anodes And Cathodes?
Cathode active materials (CAM) are typically metal oxides. For lithium-ion batteries, the most popular ones are lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP) and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LiNiMnCoO2 or NMC). These materials vary in energy density, thermal stability, and cost-effectiveness.
Anode active materials (AAM) are generally carbon-based, like graphite, silicon, or a combination. Graphite is the most common due to its high conductivity, low cost, and stable structure.
How Anodes And Cathodes Manufactured
Battery anodes and cathodes manufacturing usually involves several steps.
First, the necessary cathode and anode materials are synthesized into desired compounds. These materials are then ground into a powder and mixed with binders and solvents to form a slurry. Then the slurry is coated onto metal foils, dried, and compressed through rollers. Finally, the coated anode and cathode foils are then cut to size and combined with other components to build a battery cell.
How Does Anodes And Cathodes Work?
An anode is an oxidizing metal in an electrolyte solvent, like lithium, that loses electrons. It slowly erodes as electrons move to the cathode through a conductor. Once the anode is depleted, the battery dies.
The cathode receives electrons from the anode, and both are submerged in an electrolyte solution. Electricity travels through the conductor from negative to positive.
How Do You Tell an Anode and Cathode Apart?
Most batteries have a plus (+) and minus (-) sign indicating the anode and cathode. The minus sign refers to the anode, which is the negative electrode that loses electrons. The plus sign refers to the cathode, the positive electrode that gains electrons.
Konklusjon
If you own a car, RV, boat, or like to tinker, it’s helpful to understand anodes and cathodes. These terms may not come up in everyday life, but they’re found in your batteries, water heater, and other common devices.
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