4 ms·

I'm actually pretty curious about what causes battery wear at a fundamental level. Presumably, traditional LI batteries are not "leaking" Lithium. So why does t

I'm actually pretty curious about what causes battery wear at a fundamental level. Presumably, traditional LI batteries are not "leaking" Lithium. So why does their electron-storage-potential decrease with time?

polyfractal 15y ago
Here is a good, basic description: http://gizmodo.com/5681005/giz-explains-why-batteries-die http://gizmodo.com/5681005/giz-explains-why-batteries-die Basically, batteries are chemical reactions. Even though the reaction can be run in reverse (to recharge), no reaction is 100% efficient. Charging and discharging corrodes the anode/cathode and alters the structure. This makes them less capable of accepting ions. The electrolytes oxidize and decompose as well.
- dhughes 15y ago
  There is a neat trick where you can zap an old lithium-ion battery with an electric welder, it does something to the old chunky crystals or something like that.
  - axiak 15y ago
    This is with Nicad batteries. DO NOT attempt to zap a lithium ion battery unless you have a blast shield etc.
    - dhughes 15y ago
      Ah yes I see now, my bad. It pays to Google first I guess.