Abstract: An artificial graphite with a good structure for lithium-ion storage was selected as the negative electrode material in lithium ion batteries. The galvanostatic performance and the cyclic voltammetric characteristics were investigated in six electrolytes. The compositions and the contents of the solid electrolyte interphase films formed on the surfaces of the graphite sample were analyzed by FTIR. Results show that if the selected electrolyte can react with the surface of the particles of artificial graphite moderately and form a thin and compact solid electrolyte interphase film through which only the lithium ions are permitted to pass, this kind of electrolyte is compatible with the graphitic negative electrode material.