Electrochemical lithium intercalation within carbonaceous materials: Intercalation processes, surface film formation, and lithium diffusion

Electrochemical lithium intercalation within carbonaceous materials has attracted much attention for use to produce anodes in rechargeable lithium batteries. Although small-size rechargeable lithium cells using carbon anodes have been already commercialized, there still remain a lot of problems to be solved. Furthermore, recent global environmental issues require carbon anodes with high energy densities for use in electric energy storage and electric vehicles in the near future. This review article covers recent topics of the lithium intercalation, focusing on three fundamental aspects: intercalation processes, surface film formation, and lithium diffusion within carbons.