When the Li–CO2 cell generates electricity, the two half-cell reactions are 4Li⁺ + 3CO2 + 4e⁻ → 2Li2CO3 + C Li → Li⁺ + e⁻ Write the equation for the overall recharge reaction. - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2020 - Paper 1

To determine the overall recharge reaction for the lithium–carbon dioxide (Li–CO2) battery, we first need to combine the two half-cell reactions:

1. The oxidation half-reaction is:

   $2Li_2CO_3 + C + 4e^- \rightarrow 4Li^+ + 3CO_2$

2. The reduction half-reaction is:

   $Li \rightarrow Li^+ + e^-$

Next, we balance the number of electrons transferred in both reactions and combine them:

Overall reaction:

$2Li_2CO_3 + C \rightarrow 4Li^+ + 3CO_2 + 4e^-$

Therefore, the overall recharge reaction for the Li–CO2 cell is:

$2Li_2CO_3 + C \rightarrow 4Li^+ + 3CO_2$