Roundly exploring the synthesis, structural design, performance modification, and practical applications of silicon-carbon composite anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Silicon-based anode materials will replace traditional graphite anode materials and become one of the most promising anode materials for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries due to their high theoretical lithium storage capacity. However, silicon-based anodes have disadvantages such as large volume expansion effect, low first coulombic efficiency, low conductivity, and unstable solid electrolyte interface film, which lead to poor cycle stability of silicon-based anodes and seriously hinder their practical application. In order to better address these defects of silicon anodes, the more effective way at present is to use carbon with good stability and high conductivity to modify silicon-based anodes, and prepare silicon‑carbon composite anodes. This way, silicon-carbon anodes, as a material with high theoretical capacity, are expected to have large-scale commercial prospects. This review comprehensively explores the synthesis method, structural design, performance modification, and applications prospect of silicon‑carbon composite anodes. Its main purpose is to propose feasible strategies for the development of new preparation technology, nanostructural design, modification of electrode performance, and future commercial applications of silicon-carbon anodes. Additionally, this article also reveals the limitations of existing silicon-carbon composite anode materials, and the possible solving approach are also proposed to improve the comprehensive electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries. •Synthesis, structural design, performance modification and applications of silicon-carbon composite anodes were roundly summarized.•Feasible strategies for the development of new preparation technology, modification of electrode performance, and future commercial applications of silicon-carbon anodes were proposed.•Existing limitations and possible solving approach of silicon-carbon composite anode materials were revealed.