Lithiation is a chemical process where lithium ions are introduced into a material, often to enhance its properties. This process is commonly used in the production of lithium-ion batteries, where lithium helps improve energy storage and efficiency. In materials science, lithiation can also refer to the modification of certain compounds, such as graphite, to increase their capacity for storing energy. By incorporating lithium, these materials can better facilitate the movement of ions, which is crucial for the performance of devices like smartphones and electric vehicles.