UPSC Prelims 2025
Science & Technology
In the context of electric vehicle batteries, consider the following elements:
I. Cobalt
II. Graphite
III. Lithium
IV. Nickel
How many of the above usually make up battery cathodes?
Explanation
In lithium-ion batteries, the cathode is typically made of materials that include Cobalt, Lithium, and Nickel, depending on the chemistry used. * ✅I. Cobalt: Used in cathodes like LCO and NMC. * ❌ II. Graphite: Used in the anode, not the cathode. * ✅III. Lithium: Core element in cathode materials (like LCO, LFP). * ✅IV. Nickel: Found in cathode types like NMC and NCA. Three of the four are used in cathodes. Alternatively, you can use mnemonic CoLiNi to remember Cathode forming materials.