Silicon Nanoparticles in Energy Storage: Advances, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

Silicon oxidation plays a critical role in semiconductor technology, serving as the foundation for insulating layers in electronic and photonic devices. This review delves into the potential of silicon nanoparticles and microparticles for energy storage applications, focusing on their combustion in oxygen and steam. Silicon combustion offers a pathway for significant energy release, while the steam reaction presents a dual opportunity for energy generation and clean hydrogen production. The concept of recycling silicon dioxide into silicon aligns with the principles of a circular economy and offers solutions for the sustainable management of materials such as end-of-life photovoltaic panels. Despite the exciting possibilities, the practical application of these technologies is still in its infancy, with ongoing research addressing key challenges related to efficiency and scalability. This exploration provides a comprehensive outlook on the prospects and hurdles in leveraging silicon-based systems for sustainable energy solutions.