Advancing high-performance one-dimensional Si/carbon anodes: Current status and challenges

Silicon (Si) anodes, known for their high capacity, confront obstacles such as volume expansion, the solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) formation, and limited cyclability, driving ongoing research for innovative solutions to enhance their performance in next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This comprehensive review explores the forefront of one-dimensional (1D) Si/carbon anodes for high-performance LIBs. This review delves into cutting-edge strategies for fabricating 1D Si/carbon structures, such as nanowires, nanotubes, and nanofibers, highlighting their advantages in mitigating volume expansion, enhancing electron/ion transport, and bolstering cycling stability. The review showcases remarkable achievements in 1D Si/carbon anode performance, including exceptional capacity retention, high-rate capability, and prolonged cycle life. Challenges regarding scalability, cost-effectiveness, and long-term stability are addressed, providing insights into the path to commercialization. Additionally, future directions and potential breakthroughs are outlined, guiding researchers and industries toward harnessing the potential of 1D Si/carbon anodes in revolutionizing energy storage. Silicon-carbon (Si/C) materials are widely recognized as the next-generation anode materials for lithium-ion batteries due to their high theoretical specific capacity and low-cost advantages. However, severe volume expansion limits its further steps toward the market. The construction of one-dimensional (1D) nanosized silicon-carbon anode materials by structural design is a solution to the problem of swelling. In this review, we systematically introduce the structures, properties, and synthesis processes of different components of 1D Si/C materials by a discrete approach, and address the challenges and development prospects of 1D Si/C materials based on the latest reports. Some constructive suggestions for their commercialization are outlined in the end. image