Nano-structured silicon and silicon based composites as anode materials for lithium ion batteries: recent progress and perspectives

There is growing worldwide interest in developing lithium ion batteries with high energy densities and longer cycle life. In recent years, rechargeable lithium ion batteries have become important alternative power sources. Silicon has been regarded as one of the most promising anode materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries instead of graphite, due to its high theoretical capacity, higher stability, abundant availability, and environment friendliness. However, successful implementation of silicon based anodes in lithium ion batteries is hindered by the severe volume change, unstable solid electrolyte interface formation, and low electrical conductivity of Si. Construction of silicon nanostructures and fabrication of silicon composites are effective methods to enhance the electrochemical performance of Si anodes. Thus, a series of silicon based materials have been extensively studied to address these challenges. This review article a brief overview of the fundamental understanding of silicon-based anodes, and recent progress in the structural design of silicon architectures, construction of silicon-based composites, electrochemical performances and other performance enhancement factors including electrolytes and binders. There is growing worldwide interest in developing lithium ion batteries with high energy densities and longer cycle life.