Lithium Storage Behavior of Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite

The success in reversible electrochemical intercalation of lithium cation into graphite electrode has boosted the development of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in the world. Nevertheless, there are many enigmas behind lithium storage behavior of graphite electrodes. During the study of the working mechanisms of graphite negative electrodes in LIBs, highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) has led researchers to many important insights unambiguously through different electrochemical and in situ measurements. This review addresses how the special structural features of HOPG help recognize the electrochemical performance of graphite electrodes under different lithiation environments. Tracing the route of HOPG’s application in LIBs may be vital for understanding the exploration history of LIBs.