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Part 01B · Cell architecture · Course homepage

Lithium-ion cell architecture, one physical layer at a time

First assemble the five physical layers. Then keep that same stack visible while zooming into a selected layer. Solvent molecules appear only after you enter an electrolyte-filled pore.

Conceptual visualization only. Layer widths, particle sizes, pore sizes, molecular geometry, motion and timing are not to scale and are not model outputs. Animation or transition speed does not represent current, C-rate, conductivity, diffusivity, reaction rate, state of charge or elapsed time.

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Step 1 · Assemble the five physical layers

The cell is a strict left-to-right stack. Add one layer at a time; the next step stays unavailable until all five are visible.

Negative side → Positive side 1 of 5 layers visible

Step 2 · Zoom into one selected layer

The rail above shows where the zoom comes from. Choose a layer; the view and explanation change without losing the parent stack.

Component under pointer
Move the pointer over an item to identify it.
Whole cell stack› › Layer interior

Step 3 · Enter the liquid inside a selected pore

Locked until a porous layer is selected, so solvent molecules never appear without an architectural location.

Molecule view is locked

Select a porous layer in Step 2, then use Zoom into pore electrolyte.

Selects Layer 2 · Negative composite electrode and focuses the next button.

Step 4 · Connect transport paths back to the layers

Transport uses the same physical stack, not a new disconnected diagram.

Electronic path

Electrons move through metallic collectors, conductive solids in the electrodes, and the external circuit. The separator blocks any direct electronic contact.

  1. Inside collectors: electrons move through dense metal.
  2. Inside composite electrodes: electrons move through active material and conductive-additive networks.
  3. Across the separator: no intended electronic path.

Ionic path

Li⁺ moves through the connected liquid that fills electrode pores and separator pores.

  1. Layer 2 pore liquid → Layer 3 pore liquid → Layer 4 pore liquid.
  2. The liquid phase is continuous through porous regions but never fills the metallic collectors.
  3. Thermal shutdown: some polyolefin separators are designed to soften and close pores at elevated temperature, reducing ionic transport. This behavior is not universal and cannot prevent every failure mode.