Metal silicide-based anode materials: A review of their types, preparation and applications in energy storage

Silicides exhibit high thermal conductivities, excellent thermal shock resistances, high hardnesses, and low electrical resistivities. Over the past two decades, metal silicides have emerged as promising materials for battery anodes. They offer superior conductivity and experience less volume expansion during cycling compared to silicon anodes. However, despite their potential, several challenges remain. This review begins with a detailed classification and list of common silicon-metal compounds used in lithium-ion batteries. In particular, we emphasize on effective methods that have been experimentally proven for the preparation of metal silicide composite electrodes. Furthermore, cutting-edge applications and future prospects of metal silicides in energy storage are extensively discussed.