Lithium-enriched graphite anode surfaces investigated using nuclear reaction analysis

Non-destructive Li nuclear reaction analysis techniques were used to profile the Li distribution at the surface of graphitic Li-ion battery anodes. These techniques show that Li concentrations are elevated within 300 nm of the anode surface, even in fully delithiated states. The surface region, which includes the solid electrolyte interphase, contains at least 60% of the total Li irreversibly lost during formation and cycling.