Advances and Future Prospects of Micro‐Silicon Anodes for High‐Energy‐Density Lithium‐Ion Batteries: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Silicon (Si), stands out for its abundant resources, eco‐friendliness, affordability, high capacity, and low operating potential, making it a prime candidate for high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Notably, the breakthrough use of nanostructured Si (nSi) has paved the way for the commercialization of Si anodes. Despite this, challenges like high processing costs, severe side reactions, and low volumetric energy density have impeded widespread industrial adoption. Micron‐scale Si (µSi) has always faced setbacks compared to nSi due to its greater volume expansion. However, recent years have witnessed a resurgence of interest in µSi‐based anodes. Capitalizing on its inherent advantages, including low cost and high tap density, µSi has once again captured the attention of both academic and industrial communities. This review begins by contrasting the strengths and weaknesses of µSi and nSi, then outline potential solutions to enhance µSi performance, covering aspects like structural regulation, composite anodes, binder design, and electrolyte exploration. Additionally, this work explores the application of machine learning‐assisted high‐throughput screening. Concluding the review, this work provides insights into the future prospects of µSi in LIBs, outlining challenges and proposing integrated coping strategies. This review anticipates that it will provide valuable perspectives for the commercial application of high‐energy‐density Si‐based anodes.

Soft-in-Rigid Strategy Promoting Rapid and High-Capacity Lithium Storage by Chemical Scissoring

“…Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with high energy density, high power density, and long lifespan are highly demanded for energy storage ranging from tiny 3C electronics to grid energy storage. − Developing advanced anodes is becoming indispensable to promote multidimensional usage of LIBs, and diversified LIB anode materials have been thoroughly investigated, such as insertion (TiO 2 , TiS 2 , NbS 2 , Nb 2 O 5 , etc. ), conversion (Fe 2 O 3 , Co 3 O 4 , MnO, etc.…”

Revealing Partial Graphitization of Amorphous Carbon in SiO2@C during Magnesiothermic Reduction

“…4200 mAhg –1 ) compared to the conventional graphite anode (372 mAhg –1 ) has received significant attention. Despite this notable advantage, the practical implementation of Si anode has been hindered by substantial volume changes (∼300%) during deep charge/discharge processes, leading to severe mechanical stress and continuous formation of a solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, as well as intrinsic poor electrical conductivity. − …”

Batch-Scale Synthesis and Interfacially Enhanced Stability of Silicon Suboxide-Based Anodes toward High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

“…The ever-increasing number of electric vehicles and portable electronics, driven by global carbon reduction efforts, has spurred advancements in energy storage batteries. , Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), prevalent in these applications, face growing demand fueled by concerns like “range anxiety” in electric vehicles and the swift turnover of small electronic gadgets. − Silicon (Si), boasting a theoretical capacity of 3592 mAh g –1 , emerges as a favored anode, promising enhanced energy density compared to conventional graphite counterparts in LIBs. − However, Si electrodes undergo substantial volume variation (>300%) during repeated charge/discharge cycles, leading to issues like loss of electrical contact, unstable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film growth, and electrode pulverization, hastening battery capacity decay . Moreover, the low electrical conductivity (∼10 –4 S m –1 ) of Si impedes electron migration, deteriorating the overall battery performance …”