A secondary battery is composed of several key components working together to store and release electrical energy.
Key Components of a Secondary Battery
Based on the provided reference, a secondary battery's structure consists of the following essential parts:
- Cathode: This is the positive electrode where reduction occurs during discharge. Metal ions are embedded/de-embedded during charging/discharging.
- Anode: This is the negative electrode where oxidation occurs during discharge. Metal ions are embedded/de-embedded during charging/discharging.
- Separator: This component physically separates the cathode and anode to prevent short circuits, while still allowing ion transport.
- Electrolyte: This substance provides the ionic conductivity path between the cathode and anode, facilitating the flow of ions during charging and discharging.
- Shell: This is the outer casing that encloses and protects all the internal components of the battery.
Functionality
The charging and discharging process relies heavily on the movement of metal ions between the cathode and anode. During charging, metal ions move from one electrode to the other, and the reverse occurs during discharge. The specific materials used for each component determine the battery's voltage, capacity, and overall performance.
Here's a table summarizing the components and their roles:
| Component | Role |
|---|---|
| Cathode | Positive electrode; site of reduction during discharge. |
| Anode | Negative electrode; site of oxidation during discharge. |
| Separator | Prevents short circuits, allows ion transport. |
| Electrolyte | Provides ionic conductivity between cathode and anode. |
| Shell | Outer casing protecting internal components. |
