Synthesis and Structural Design of Graphene, Silicon and Silicon-Based Materials Including Incorporation of Graphene as Anode to Improve Electrochemical Performance in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Silicon emerges as a candidate for advancing lithium ion batteries with important roles in various applications ranging from portable electronics to electric vehicles. However, despite its theoretical capacities silicon faces challenges such as unstable cycling and limited rate performance. This thorough review examines developments in improving the electrochemical performance of silicon and graphene within the context of lithium ion batteries. The focus lies on strategies for designing and synthesizing composite materials that incorporate silicon particularly when combined with graphene. Structural aspects like particle size, morphology and porosity are carefully optimized to harness the potential of silicon based anodes and graphene. The review highlights the effects resulting from these tailored design approaches, including key factors such as capacity retention, cycling stability and rate capability of the resulting anode materials. By exploring these design paradigms this review offers a comprehensive perspective on the transformative capabilities of silicon, graphene and silicon/graphene composites. It does not highlights recent advancements but also outlines future directions for innovation and practical applications. This compilation of progress contributes to the understanding of how silicon based anodes, in lithium ion batteries have evolved from small-scale implementations to catalyzing advancements in energy utilization.