In-situ structural characterizations of electrochemical intercalation of graphite compounds

Graphite carbon has been successfully used for the anode materials of secondary ion batteries due to its capability of accommodating ions between graphite layers. The intercalation dynamics intrinsically determine the performance of the batteries. In this review, we summarize recent research progresses of structural characterizations on graphite intercalation in electrochemical devices, especially on the in-situ study on the intercalations of Li/Na/K ions, AlCl4- and other anions, or solvents. These techniques, including X-ray, electron microscopy, Raman, neutron scattering, nuclear magnetic resonance, and optical microscopy provide direct information of the reaction dynamics and help to understand the factors affecting the electrochemical performances of metallic ion batteries.