Carbon-Based Silicon Composite Anodes for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries: Structural Design Strategies and Electrochemical Improvements

Because of the theoretical high specific capacity, silicon has attracted much attention as a potential anode material for lithium-ion batteries. However, the large volume expansion generated in the process of repeated charging and discharging will lead to particle cracking, unstable solid electrolyte interface and rapid capacity loss, making silicon difficult to be used in practical batteries. The combination of silicon with carbonaceous materials can overcome these problems and improve the performance of silicon anodes. This paper reviews three main kinds of silicon/carbon composite anodes. This paper reviews three main types of silicon/carbon composite anodes, including silicon/graphite, silicon/carbon nanotubes and silicon/graphene composites. Their structure, preparation methods, advantages, limitations and possible applications are compared. The review shows that graphite provides good structural stability and practical performance and carbon nanotubes and graphene can form conductive networks and help deal with silicon expansion. However, these materials also face limitations such as reduced overall capacity, higher cost and more complex preparation methods. Therefore, the performance of silicon/carbon composite anode depends on the balance between capacity, conductivity, structural stability, cycling performance and practical feasibility. In general, silicon/carbon composites provide a promising way to improve silicon-based negatives. Further optimizing the composite structure, preparation method and long-term cycle stability is expected to promote the development of high-energy density and long-life lithium-ion batteries.