Application of Silicon-Carbon Anode Materials in Lithium-ion Batteries

In the trend of global electrification, Li-ion batteries play a vital role in energy storage systems. However, low capacity of graphite anodes has become a critical constraint limiting further development of Li-ion batteries. Silicon has emerged as a promising alternative anode material due to its high theoretical capacity—approximately 11 times that of graphite. However, its practical application is hindered by inevitable drawbacks, including large volume expansion of 300%-400% during charge-discharge cycles and poor long-term durability. To achieve a compromise, integration of silicon and carbon materials (such as graphite, graphene, and CNTs) offers a new idea, because they can buffer silicon’s volume expansion and enhance electron/ion conductivity. In this paper, silicon-carbon composite fabrication will be analyzed as a novel approach to balance the energy capacity and working stability. The composition design of silicon-carbon materials, the synthesis mechanisms, and the factors for commercialization are discussed. This paper also examines current technical challenges and proposes promising outlooks for future development of next-generation lithium batteries with high energy density, holding great potential for advancing sustainable development and global energy transformation.