Silicon/Carbon Composite Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Silicon (Si) is a representative anode material for next-generation lithium-ion batteries due to properties such as a high theoretical capacity, suitable working voltage, and high natural abundance. However, due to inherently large volume expansions (similar to 400%) during insertion/deinsertion processes as well as poor electrical conductivity and unstable solid electrolyte interfaces (SEI) films, Si-based anodes possess serious stability problems, greatly hindering practical application. To resolve these issues, the modification of Si anodes with carbon (C) is a promising method which has been demonstrated to enhance electrical conductivity and material plasticity. In this review, recent researches into Si/C anodes are grouped into categories based on the structural dimension of Si materials, including nanoparticles, nanowires and nanotubes, nanosheets, and porous Si-based materials, and the structural and electrochemical performance of various Si/C composites based on carbon materials with varying structures will be discussed. In addition, the progress and limitations of the design of existing Si/C composite anodes are summarized, and future research perspectives in this field are presented.