The active materials in commercial Li-ion batteries are usually graphitized carbons for the negative electrode and LiCoO2 for the positive electrode. However, there is strong interest in alternative negative electrode materials with higher reversible capacity. The discussion in this paper is directed at analyzing the electrochemical performance of negative electrodes for Li-ion batteries. The physicochemical properties and the electrochemical performance of active materials in the negative electrodes are intimately connected, therefore both parameters are considered in selecting an alternative material to graphite. An analysis of this relationship is discussed in this paper. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.