The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is a protecting layer formed on the negative electrode of Li-ion batteries as a result of electrolyte decomposition, mainly during the first cycle. Battery performance, irreversible charge "loss", rate capability, cyclability, exfoliation of graphite and safety are highly dependent on the quality of the SEI. Therefore, understanding the actual nature and composition of SEI is of prime interest. If the chemistry of the SEI formation and the manner in which each component affects battery performance are understood, SEI could be tuned to improve battery performance. In this paper key points related to the nature, formation, and features of the SEI formed on carbon negative electrodes are discussed. SEI has been analyzed by various analytical techniques amongst which FTIR and XPS are most widely used. FTIR and XPS data of SEI and its components as published by many research groups are compiled in tables for getting a global picture of what is known about the SEL This article shall serve as a handy reference as well as a starting point for research related to SEI. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.