Top-Down Synthesis of Silicon/Carbon Composite Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries: Mechanical Milling and...

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) providing high energy and power densities as well as long cycle life are in high demand for various applications. Benefitting from its high theoretical specific charge capacity of ≈4200 mAh g^-1 and natural abundance, Si is nowadays considered as one of the most promising anode candidates for high-energy-density LIBs. However, its huge volume change during cycling prevents its widespread commercialization. Si/C-based electrodes, fabricated through top-down mechanical-milling technique and etching, could be particularly promising since they can adequately accommodate the Si volume expansion, buffer the mechanical stress, and ameliorate the interface/surface stability. In this Review, the current progresses in the top-down synthesis of Si/C anode materials for LIBs from inexpensive Si sources via the combination of low-cost, simple, scalable, and efficient ball-milling and etching processes are summarized. Various Si precursors as well as etching routes are highlighted in this Review. This review would be a guide for fabricating high-performance Si-based anodes.