Design of Electrodes and Electrolytes for Silicon-Based Anode Lithium-Ion Batteries

The development of lithium-ion batteries with high-energy densities is substantially hampered by the graphite anode's low theoretical capacity (372 mAh g⁻¹). There is an urgent need to explore novel anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Silicon (Si), the second-largest element outside of Earth, has an exceptionally high specific capacity (3579 mAh g⁻¹), regarded as an excellent choice for the anode material in high-capacity lithium-ion batteries. However, it is low intrinsic conductivity and volume amplification during service status, prevented it from developing further. These difficulties can be successfully overcome by incorporating carbon into pure Si systems to form a composite anode and constructing a buffer structure. This review looks at the diffusion mechanism, various silicon-based anode material configurations (including sandwich, core-shell, yolk-shell, and other 3D mesh/porous structures), as well as the appropriate binders and electrolytes. Finally, a summary and viewpoints are offered on the characteristics and structural layout of various structures, metal/non-metal doping, and the compatibility and application of various binders and electrolytes for silicon-based anodes. This review aims to provide valuable insights into the research and development of silicon-based carbon anodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries, as well as their integration with binders and electrolyte.