Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have been implemented for numerous applications, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and pure electric vehicles (EV). In an effort to prolong battery life, it is important to understand the mechanisms that cause reduced battery capacity with aging. Past studies have shown that morphological changes occur in aged cathodes. In situ electrochemical studies using atomic force microscopy allow for the direct observation of the morphology of the Li-ion battery cathode, at a nanometer scale resolution, during the cycling of an electrochemical cell. A simple electrochemical cell designed for in situ characterization is introduced. Charge/discharge curves and morphology data obtained during charging and discharging of cells are presented, and relevant mechanisms are discussed. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.