Application of Nanocoated Silicon-Based Materials in Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes

Abstract

This study investigates the application of nanocoated silicon materials in a lithium battery anode. The contents include carbon, metal oxide, and conductive polymer, which have demonstrated great potential as a substitute for the current anode material, pure silicon, which is still being explored, while retaining as many of its advantages as possible. The nanocoated silicon has then become the main direction in future battery development. The study also presents the method to produce each nanocoated silicon material in detail and evaluates its advantages and disadvantages. After comparison, Si-C has become the most commercially viable option due to its mature synthesis process and its overall sufficient factors to meet the demand. Si-metal oxide is plagued by the trade-off between two essential factors, making it unlikely to make significant breakthroughs in the future. Si-polymer, on the other hand, has the most potential for the future if the synthesis process is simplified, because it offers the best balance among all factors and maximally retains the benefits of pure silicon. As a result, nanocoated silicon will gradually become the dominant anode material for most electric vehicles lithium batteries.