The complex electrochemistry of graphite electrodes in lithium-ion batteries

This paper discusses the interrelated phenomena of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation and the irreversible charge consumption which occurs during the first cycle of a graphite electrode, as well as their relevance to the cycling stability of lithium-ion batteries. Thus, results from relevant characterization methods, namely, in situ mass spectrometry, in situ infrared spectroscopy, in situ Raman and video microscopy, in situ scanning probe microscopy, in situ quartz crystal microbalance, and differential scanning calorimetry were combined for a more thorough understanding of observations made in cycling experiments. From electrochemical cycling tests, we have learned that a high specific charge (∼360 Ah/kg of carbon), satisfactory cycle life of the graphite electrodes (1000 deep cycles), and an irreversible charge of