When the alkali metals are cut, they initially appear shiny grey but quickly become dull and white as they react with oxygen in the air. This is known as tarnishing. Sodium tarnishes more quickly ...

At the other, the lithium reacts with oxygen in the air. When the battery is charged, this reaction is reversed, and the oxygen is returned to our atmosphere.

In principle, cathodes in which lithium ions react with oxygen, sulfur or selenium could offer much higher capacities. In practice, however, these elements are not suitable electrode materials, ...

Tellurium electrodes boost lithium batteries Date: October 7, 2015 ... In principle, cathodes in which lithium ions react with oxygen, sulfur or selenium could offer much higher capacities.