The reaction mechanism of ceria as an anode in a lithium ion battery (LIB) is unknown. To solve this issue, a nano-LIB was constructed inside a transmission electron microscope (TEM) using an individual CeO 2 /graphene composite as the anode. The lithiation/delithiation cycles of the CeO 2 /graphene composite were conducted inside the TEM, and the electrochemical process was in situ monitored by simultaneous determination of the microstructure with high-resolution TEM, electron diffraction, and electron energy loss spectroscopy. The surfaces of the graphene nanosheets and ceria nanoparticles were covered by a nanocrystalline Li 2 O layer after lithiation, and the Li 2 O layer shrank and showed partially reversible changes after delithiation. The CeO 2 nanoparticles showed imperceptible volumetric and morphological changes, while comprehensive analysis revealed a fully reversible phase transformation between fluorite CeO 2 and cubic Ce 2 O 3 during the electrochemical process. These results give direct evidence and profound insights into the lithiation/delithiation mechanism of CeO 2 /graphene anode in a LIB.

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The hierarchical CoO microflower film prepared by a low-temperature solvothermal method shows excellent electrochemical lithium/sodium storage performances.