Summary of Batería de iones de litio, ¿Cómo funciona?

00:00:00 - 00:10:00

This video explains how lithium-ion batteries work by separating lithium atoms from a metal oxide and guiding the lost electrons through an external circuit to produce electricity. The lithium ions and electrons are stored in the graphite layer of the battery and are separated by a layer of insulation. Tesla's battery management system monitors the battery's temperature, charge, and cell status. When lithium ions reach the graphite, they react with solvent molecules in the electrolyte to form a layer called SEI, which helps prevent direct contact between the electrons and the electrolyte, saving the electrolyte from degradation. Finally, scientists are investing in replacing graphite with silicon to increase the energy density of the battery cell, and the lithium-ion battery market is expected to become a $90 million industry in a few years.

• 00:00:00 In this section, we learn about the concept of electrochemical potential and how it relates to the lithium-ion battery. The battery works by taking advantage of the fact that lithium has the highest tendency to lose electrons according to the electrochemical series. When lithium forms part of a metal oxide, it is much more stable than when it is in its pure form, which is highly reactive. By separating the lithium atoms from the oxide and guiding the lost electrons through an external circuit, electricity can be produced. In a practical lithium-ion cell, an electrolyte and graphite are used to create a protective barrier that only allows for the passage of lithium ions. When a power source is connected, the electrons flow through the external circuit while the positively charged lithium ions are attracted to the negative terminal and flow towards it.
• 00:05:00 In this section, we learn about the process of how lithium-ion batteries work. The lithium ions and electrons are released from the metal oxide and are trapped in the graphite layer. The stored energy is unstable, and as soon as the power source is removed, the lithium ions and electrons move through the electrolyte and the charge, producing electricity. Graphite acts as a storage means for lithium ions, and a layer of insulation called the separator is also inserted between the electrodes to avoid short circuits. Tesla's battery management system monitors the battery's temperature, charge, and cell status. By utilizing small cylindrical cells instead of larger ones, Tesla avoids putting too much pressure on a single cell. Additionally, Tesla's batteries avoid the problem of first charging, thanks to the solid electrolyte interface.
• 00:10:00 In this section, it is explained that when lithium ions reach the graphite in the battery, they react with the solvent molecules in the electrolyte to form a layer called the SEI layer. This layer helps prevent direct contact between the electrons and the electrolyte, thus saving the electrolyte from degradation, and contributes to the main functioning of the battery. With over two decades of research and development, scientists have optimized the thickness and chemistry of the SEI layer to obtain maximum performance from lithium-ion battery cells. It is expected that the lithium-ion battery market will become a $90 million industry in a few years due to its rapid growth, and research has been invested in replacing graphite with silicon to increase the energy density of the battery cell.