Prelims 2025 · Science and Technology · Question 3
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?
Answer
Only three
- I. Cobalt: Used in many Li-ion battery cathodes such as LCO, NMC and NCA. Verdict: Correct.
- II. Graphite: Graphite is usually used in the anode, not the cathode, in conventional EV lithium-ion batteries. Verdict: Incorrect.
- III. Lithium: Lithium is a core constituent of common EV battery cathode chemistries like lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, and NMC. Verdict: Correct.
- IV. Nickel: Nickel is used in several cathode chemistries, especially NMC and NCA batteries. Verdict: Correct.
Thus, three of the above usually make up battery cathodes. Answer: (c) Only three.