In situ Raman microscopy during discharge of a high capacity silicon–carbon composite Li-ion battery negative electrode

In situ Raman microscopy study has been performed in order to characterize the surface of the Si/C composite anode and also to monitor the alloying/dealloying behavior of Si/C with Li ion during electrochemical discharging/charging processes at a microscopic level. This study shows that the Si particles are covered by graphite and hard carbon, with demonstration of further evidence of amorphisation of silicon and presence of mixed phases of Li–Si.