1. Electrolyte modeling

Modeling a lithium-ion battery involves representing the electrolyte, usually a salt dissolved in a solvent, which binds the electrodes together and enables the battery to operate.

The simplest model is obtained when the electrolyte is very dilute, by means of the Poisson-Nernst-Planck (PNP) theory. Although this theory is far too simple to adequately explain the operation of moderately concentrated electrolytes, such as those used in practice, it is an essential step towards understanding Newman's theory, which is now the leading authority in the field .