The carbon/electrolyte interface was characterized during galvanostatic cyc
ling at different current densities by means of impedance spectroscopy, sem
i-in situ transmission microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectrosco
py FT-IR. These techniques, carried-out in an inert atmosphere, showed that
the formation rate strongly influences both the chemical nature and thickn
ess of this interface; its growth will be detailed using a rate correspondi
ng to the intercalation of one Lithium in 20 h. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B
.V. All rights reserved.