Silicon-based anode materials for high-capacity lithium-ion batteries: recent advances and challenges

Abstract

Silicon is a promising anode material for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries because of its high theoretical capacity, low operating potential, and natural abundance. However, large volume changes, poor electronic conductivity, and sluggish lithium-ion transport cause particle pulverization, unstable solid-electrolyte interphase formation, loss of electrical contact, and rapid capacity fading. This review critically evaluates four major improvement strategies: material and structural design, interface engineering, multifunctional binders, and pre-lithiation. These strategies are comparatively evaluated in terms of their mechanisms, representative performance, limitations, manufacturing complexity, and scalability. Recent advances in fast-charging degradation and artificial-intelligence-assisted material screening, state estimation, and charging control are also summarized. Particular attention is given to commercially relevant conditions, including high areal loading, limited electrolyte, realistic N/P ratios, and full-cell validation. Finally, practical Si–graphite composites, stable interfaces, adaptive binders, and controllable pre-lithiation are identified as key directions for scalable silicon-based anodes.