Editing Electrode (section)

== Efficiency ==
The physical properties of electrodes are mainly determined by the material of the electrode and the topology of the electrode. The properties required depend on the application and therefore there are many kinds of electrodes in circulation. The defining property for a material to be used as an electrode is that it be [[conductive]]. Any conducting material such as metals, [[semiconductor]]s, [[graphite]] or conductive [[polymer]]s can therefore be used as an electrode. Often electrodes consist of a combination of materials, each with a specific task. Typical constituents are the active materials which serve as the particles which oxidate or reduct, [[conductive agent]]s which improve the conductivity of the electrode and binders which are used to contain the active particles within the electrode. The efficiency of electrochemical cells is judged by a number of properties, important quantities are the [[self-discharge]] time, the [[discharge voltage]] and the [[cycle performance]]. The physical properties of the electrodes play an important role in determining these quantities. Important properties of the electrodes are: the [[Electrical resistivity and conductivity|electrical resistivity]], the [[specific heat capacity]] (''c''<sub>p</sub>), the [[electrode potential]] and the [[hardness]]. Of course, for technological applications, the cost of the material is also an important factor.<ref>{{cite web |author1=((Engineering360)) |title=Electrodes and Electrode Materials Selection Guide: Types, Features, Applications |url=https://www.globalspec.com/learnmore/materials_chemicals_adhesives/electrical_optical_specialty_materials/electrical_contact_electrode_materials/electrical_contact_electrode_materials#:~:text=Some%20of%20the%20most%20prominent,but%20offers%20inferior%20oxidation%20resistance |website=www.globalspec.com}}</ref> The values of these properties at room temperature (''T'' = 293&nbsp;K) for some commonly used materials are listed in the table below.

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Common electrode properties<ref>{{cite web |title=Online Materials Information Resource |url=http://www.matweb.com/ |website=www.matweb.com}}</ref>
|-
! Properties !! [[Lithium]] (Li) !! [[Manganese]] (Mn) !! [[Copper]] (Cu) !! [[Zinc]] (Zn) !! [[Graphite]]
|-
| Resistivity (Ω⋅m) || {{val|8.40e-8}} || {{val|1.44e-6}} || {{val|1.70e-8}} || {{val|5.92e-8}} || {{val|6.00e-6}}
|-
| Electrode potential (V) || −3.02 || −1.05 || −0.340 || −0.760 || —
|-
| Hardness (HV) || <5 || 500 || 50 || 30 || 7–11
|-
| Specific heat capacity (J/(g⋅K)) || 2.997 || 0.448 || 0.385 || 0.3898 || 0.707
|}