Practically Relevant Research on Silicon- Based Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes

Lithium-ion battery is considered as an important energy storage medium due to its high energy density, high power output, limited memory-effect and eco-friendliness. With increasing energy demand of lithium-ion batteries from rapid technology development, silicon is regarded as a promising next generation lithium-ion battery anode because of its high theoretical specific capacity (4200 mAh g^-1), appropriate voltage profile, environmental friendliness, and huge abundance. Nevertheless, huge volume expansion and associated series of adverse consequences during lithium insertion/extraction seriously deteriorate its cyclic stability, where the practical application of silicon anodes has been significantly hampered. Numerous studies on electrochemical performance improvement have been performed in last two decades, where significant progresses have been achieved. However, practical applications of silicon anode require much more considerations than improved cyclic stability itself. Unlike typical review work on silicon anode research, here in this chapter practically relevant studies on silicon anodes will be addressed, which have been less emphasized previously. From this work, the crucial factors for practical applications will be elaborated on and perspective of silicon anodes towards practical application will be provided.