Physical chemistry of lithium intercalation compounds

Lithium intercalation compounds are known to form complexes as electron donor systems. A charge transfer which can strongly affect the electronic properties of the host lattice, and a change of preferential crystallographic parameters without destruction of the original structure are the main effects occurring during intercalation. Optical spectroscopies such as Raman scattering, far-infrared reflectivity, absorption measurements, and photoluminescence have been carried out for the study of electronic and structural modification. In this paper, lattice dynamics and physico-chemical properties of various two-dimensional intercalated compounds, i.e. transition metal dichalcogenides, non-transition metal chalcogenides and layered oxides, are presented. Results are discussed with the aim of a better understanding of the intercalation process. Some guide lines are established for improving the performances of these materials in their most eminent applications.