Recent progress and future perspective on practical silicon anode-based lithium ion batteries

Silicon anode lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have received tremendous attention because of their merits, which include a high theoretical specific capacity, low working potential, and abundant sources. The past decade has witnessed significant developments in terms of extending the lifespan and maintaining the high capacities of Si LIBs. However, most test data come from half cells with low active material loading and excess electrolyte and Li metal. With growing attention given to the practical application of Si anode LIBs, some easily overlooked challenges at practical cell scales emerge as bottlenecks. From this perspective, the development history of Si anodes is briefly introduced, and pivotal challenges and countermeasures toward practical Si anodes are emphasized regarding structure regulation, interface modulation, and novel binder and electrolyte design. Finally, viable strategies are proposed to address the applicable challenges as future research directions, especially the full cell performances and all solid-state batteries are focused.