Batteries, from disposable AA to rechargeable lithium-ion types, are essential in converting chemical energy into electrical energy, with lithium-ion variants powering modern devices through a cyclical electron flow. Argonne National Laboratory plays a pivotal role in advancing battery technology, from fundamental research to recycling innovations.
What Is a Battery?
Batteries power our lives by transforming energy from one type to another.
Whether a traditional disposable battery (e.g., AA) or a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (used in cell phones, laptops, and cars), a battery stores chemical energy and releases electrical energy.
There are four key parts in a battery — the cathode (positive side of the battery), the anode (negative side of the battery), a separator that prevents contact between the cathode and anode, and a chemical solution known as an electrolyte that allows the flow of electrical charge between the cathode and…
