Utilization of Silicon for Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes: Unveiling Progress, Hurdles, and Prospects (Review)

Abstract: Within the lithium-ion battery sector, silicon (Si)-based anode materials have emerged as a critical driver of progress, notably in advancing energy storage capabilities. The heightened interest in Si-based anode materials can be attributed to their advantageous characteristics, which include a high theoretical specific capacity, a low delithiation potential, wide availability, and cost-effectiveness. However, these materials are not immune to challenges. One prominent issue arises from the significant volume changes that occur during lithiation (charging) and delithiation (discharging) processes, resulting in mechanical stress within the material. This stress leads to structural degradation over time, thereby reducing capacity and performance. Another critical concern revolves around the inherent low electronic conductivity of Si-based materials and their limited cycling stability, which limits their practical application on a commercial scale. This comprehensive review thoroughly examines recent advancements in SiO_x (0 < x ≤ 2)-based anode materials, with a specific focus on SiO₂ and Si-carbon composites, delving into their electrochemical properties and mechanisms. It also highlights existing challenges and suggests potential avenues for improvement, providing valuable insights for future research directions. The synthesis methods and performance benchmarks discussed in this review are essential for developing more efficient and sustainable SiO_x-based anodes across various energy storage applications.