High‐Capacity Anode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Choice of Elements and Structures for Active Particles

TLDR

Growing market demand for portable energy storage has spurred research into high‑capacity lithium‑ion battery anodes, with diverse elements and innovative structures explored to boost energy density and lower cost. This review investigates how electrode and material parameters shape anode fabrication. Using the periodic table, the authors evaluate how materials such as Si, Ge, Sn, Sb, Pb, Mg, Al, Ga, P, As, Bi, Zn, and conversion anodes (oxides, nitrides, phosphides, hydrides) as well as nanostructured carbon influence rate performance, cycle stability, Li‑ion insertion/extraction potentials, voltage hysteresis, volumetric and specific capacities, while addressing volume change, coulombic efficiency, and SEI stability. They discuss advanced carbon composites with CNTs, graphene, and size‑preserving external shells, emphasizing high mass‑loading electrodes that provide load‑bearing properties.

Abstract

Growing market demand for portable energy storage has triggered significant research on high‐capacity lithium‐ion (Li‐ion) battery anodes. Various elements have been utilized in innovative structures to enable these anodes, which can potentially increase the energy density and decrease the cost of Li‐ion batteries. In this review, electrode and material parameters are considered in anode fabrication. The periodic table is then used to explore how the choice of anode material affects rate performance, cycle stability, Li‐ion insertion/extraction potentials, voltage hysteresis, volumetric and specific capacities, and other critical parameters. Silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), and tin (Sn) anodes receive more attention in literature and in this review, but other elements, such as antimony (Sb), lead (Pb), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), gallium (Ga), phosphorus (P), arsenic (As), bismuth (Bi), and zinc (Zn) are also discussed. Among conversion anodes focus is placed on oxides, nitrides, phosphides, and hydrides. Nanostructured carbon (C) receives separate consideration. Issues in high‐ capacity research, such as volume change, insufficient coulombic efficiency, and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer stability are elucidated. Finally, advanced carbon composites utilizing carbon nanotubes (CNT), graphene, and size preserving external shells are discussed, including high mass loading (thick) electrodes and electrodes capable of providing load‐bearing properties.