Question 3
Set 2
Contents
QQuestion
I. Cobalt
II. Graphite
III. Lithium
IV. Nickel
How many of the above usually make up battery cathodes?
OOptions
✓Correct Answer
DDalvoy Solutions
In electric vehicle batteries, typically three elements make up battery cathodes:
I. Cobalt: Yes, cobalt is a key component in many lithium-ion battery cathodes, particularly in NCM (Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese) and NCA (Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminum) chemistries.
II. Graphite: No, graphite is primarily used in the anode (negative electrode) of lithium-ion batteries, not the cathode.
III. Lithium: Yes, lithium compounds like lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) or lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) form the base of most EV battery cathodes.
IV. Nickel: Yes, nickel is increasingly used in high-energy density cathodes, especially in NCM and NCA chemistries for better performance and reduced cobalt dependency.
SUPSC Prelims Strategy and Tips
For battery chemistry questions, distinguish between anode and cathode materials. Remember that lithium, nickel, and cobalt are typically cathode materials, while graphite is usually an anode material in lithium-ion batteries.