Abstract: The microstructures of acetylene carbon black, byproduct carbon black and furnace conductive carbon black were systematically investigated and the internal relationship between microstructure and application performance was explored to provide a guidance to the production and application of conductive carbon black. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, transmission electron microscope and laser particle size analyzer were used to conduct systematic research on the microstructure of conductive carbon black. The results show that the key factor for determining the application performance of conductive carbon black is its compatibility with matrix. The byproduct carbon black is hollow-structured and the aggregate branch is advanced. It presents remarkable conductivity in rubber and plastics. The excellent conductivity performance of acetylene carbon black in lithium ion electrodes attributes to its high degree of graphitization, large grain size and high purity.