Applications of voltammetry in lithium ion battery research

Li ion battery (LIB) is one of the most remarkable energy storage devices currently available in various applications. With a growing demand for high-performance batteries, the role of electrochemical analysis for batteries, especially, electrode reactions are becoming very important and crucial. Among various analytical methods, cyclic voltammetry (CV) is very versatile and widely used in many fields of electrochemistry. Through CV, it is possible to know electrochemical factors affecting the reaction voltage and reversibility, and furthermore, quantitative analysis on Li⁺ diffusivity as well as intercalation and capacitive reactions, and also anionic redox reaction. However, the explanation or interpretation of the results of CV is often deficient or controversial. In this mini-review, we briefly introduce the principle of cyclic voltammetry and its applications in LIB to bring a better understanding of the electrochemical reaction mechanisms involved in LIB.