Rational design of silicon-based composites for high-energy storage devices

Silicon-based composites are very promising anode materials for boosting the energy density of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). These silicon-based anodes can also replace the dendrite forming lithium metal anodes in lithium metal-free LiO 2 and LiS batteries, which can offer energy content far beyond that of current LIBs. However, it is challenging to design silicon-based materials for use as anodes in real energy storage devices. In this review, we discuss how to boost the energy content of LIBs, the pros and cons of silicon-based anodes, and challenges associated with silicon-based anodes. A major focus of this review is on the rational design of silicon-based composite anodes to address the outstanding issues. In addition, high energy LIBs and LiS batteries that employ silicon-based anodes are introduced and discussed. Silicon-based composites are very promising anode materials not only for boosting the energy density of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) but for realizing Li metal-free new battery systems such as LiS and LiO 2 .