Li-ion battery

**Lithium-ion batteries** are very popular. They are used in cell phones, laptops, iPods and PDAs. They're some of the most **energetic rechargeable batteries** available. The **electrodes** of a **lithium-ion battery** are made of **lithium** or **lithium cobalt oxide** and **carbon**.

**Lithium** is also a highly reactive element. A lot of energy can be stored in its **atomic bonds**. When the battery charges, **ions** of **lithium** move through the **electrolyte** from the **positive electrode** to the **negative electrode** and attach to the **carbon**.

During discharge, the **lithium ions** move back to the **lithium oxide** from the carbon. The movement of these lithium ions happens at a fairly high voltage. Lithium-ion batteries can last only **two to three years**, even if they are sitting on a shelf unused.