The negative electrode refers to the side of the power supply with a lower potential (potential). In primary batteries, it refers to the electrode that plays an oxidizing role, and is written on the left side in the battery response. From a physical perspective, it is the pole at which electrons flow out of a circuit. Negative electrode materials refer to the raw materials that make up the negative electrode in batteries. Currently, commonly used negative electrode materials include carbon negative electrode materials, tin based negative electrode materials, lithium containing transition metal nitride negative electrode materials, alloy negative electrode materials, and nanoscale negative electrode materials.

In general, selecting a good type of negative electrode material should follow the following basic principles: high energy density; The electrode potential of the relative lithium electrode is low; Good variability in charge and discharge response; Good compatibility mode with electrolytes and adhesives; Small specific surface area (<10m2/g) and high true density (>2.0g/cm3); Good size specifications and mechanical equipment stability in the lithium insertion process; Relatively abundant resources, high-quality and affordable; Stable in the air without any side effects. At present, the negative electrode materials that have been specifically used for lithium-ion batteries are usually carbon materials, such as graphite, soft carbon (such as coke), hard carbon, etc. The negative electrode materials that have been explored include nitrides, PAS, tin based oxides, tin alloys, nano negative electrode materials, and many other intermetallic compounds.