aprotic organic solvent. Poor rate capability, limited capacity (theoretical capacity of ≈372 mA h g -1 ), Li-plating issues, irreversible electrolyte decomposition in the first cycle, and subsequent solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation certainly offset the possible usage in high power Li-ion power packs. [5] Therefore, intense research activity has been carried out to replace the conventional graphitic anodes.Unfortunately, insertion type materials such as oxides, sulfides, and phosphates offer a higher working potential (>1 V vs Li), and decent practical capacity compared to graphite, which certainly dilutes the net energy density of the cell. For instance, Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 , the anatase and bronze phases of TiO 2 , LiCrTiO 4 , Nb 2 O 5 , TiNb 2 O 7 , TiP 2 O 7 , LiTi 2 (PO 4 ) 3 etc., have been extensively evaluated. [5,7,14] Spinel Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 , which is commercially available, utilizes a LiMn 2 O 4 cathode for HEV and EV applications, although it offers low theoretical energy density (≈200 W h kg -1 ). [13] Apart from the insertion, the emergence of high capacity, high power alloy and conversion (often called displacement) type materials has attracted widespread attention in the last two decades. It is worth mentioning that alloybased anodes with a hybrid cathode have been commercialized by Sony in a Nexelion configuration. Unlike that of the insertion process, an alloy and conversion-type electrode experiences several issues that need to be addressed, such as large volume variation, capacity fading upon cycling, and a significant irreversible capacity loss (ICL) during the first cycle, [15] before being employed as prospective an anode in cells for practical configurations.Although insertion materials experience ICL, it is negligible, whereas only 40 to 70% of the initial capacity is found irreversible in alloy and conversion type materials. The ICL may vary from material to material, and morphology to morphology primarily because of the decomposition of the electrolyte solution, which includes solvents and a salt reduction process. [16] Nevertheless, volume variation and capacity fading can certainly be improved by adopting a surface modification process preferably with carbon coating, making a composite with carbonaceous materials, or by preparing the electrode with either an active or inactive matrix. [17] Therefore, eliminating the ICL is critical before the full-cell assembly when using such high capacity conversion or alloy type anodes. [2,18,19] It is clear that the SEI layer is the main culprit for the significant ICL observed in the first cycle, since the Li consumption takes place in an Development of high performance lithium-ion (Li-ion) power packs is a topic receiving significant attention in research today. Future development of the Li-ion power packs relies on the development of high capacity and high rate anodes. More specifically, materials undergo either conversion or an alloying mechanism with Li. However, irreversible capacity loss (ICL) is one of the prime issues for this type ...