litioión

Litioión is a term that refers to a lithium ion. A lithium ion is an atom of the element lithium that has lost one electron. This loss of an electron gives the lithium atom a positive electrical charge, making it an ion. Lithium is an alkali metal, and its atoms readily lose their single valence electron to achieve a stable electron configuration. In chemical compounds, lithium typically exists as a positively charged ion, Li+. This behavior is crucial in various chemical and electrochemical processes.

The most well-known application of lithium ions is in lithium-ion batteries. These rechargeable batteries utilize the movement of lithium ions between the positive and negative electrodes to generate and store electrical energy. During discharge, lithium ions move from the negative electrode (anode) through an electrolyte to the positive electrode (cathode). During charging, the process is reversed. The high energy density and long cycle life of lithium-ion batteries have made them indispensable for portable electronics, electric vehicles, and grid-scale energy storage. Beyond batteries, lithium ions play a role in certain pharmaceutical treatments, particularly for bipolar disorder, where they are believed to modulate neurotransmitter activity in the brain. The chemistry and electrochemistry of lithium ions are fundamental to understanding these diverse applications.