Nanotechnology-Driven Innovations in Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes: Materials and Performance Insights

Abstract

The development of high-performance anode materials is critical to advancing lithium-ion battery (LIB) technology for applications ranging from portable electronics to electric vehicles. This review emphasizes the advancements of nanotechnology in lithium-ion battery (LIB) electrode materials, with a primary focus on the anode materials, and provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the carbon-based, silicon-based, tin-based, and metal-organic framework (MOF)-based anode materials. Graphite, the conventional anode material, is limited by its low specific capacity (372 mAh g¹); recent progress in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene-based composites has shown enhanced performance, with CNTs achieving capacities above 1100 mAh g¹ and improved rate capabilities due to high conductivity and large surface areas. Silicon-based anodes offer a theoretical capacity of ~4200 mAh g¹ but suffer from severe volume expansion; strategies such as nano-Si/carbon composites and core-shell architectures have significantly improved stability, achieving cycle lives over 1000 cycles with capacities exceeding 600 mAh g¹. Tin-based materials, including Sn and SnO₂ composites, show capacities around 750–1200 mAh g⁻¹, with enhanced stability through nanostructuring and carbon-based buffering matrices. MOF-derived anode materials have emerged as promising candidates due to their tunable porosity and high surface areas, supporting stable cycling and efficient lithium-ion transport. Collectively, these innovations present viable pathways to overcome the intrinsic limitations of traditional anode materials, offering improved electrochemical performance essential for next-generation LIB applications. In addition, the challenges of integrating these materials into practical applications, such as scalability and long-term stability, are critically analyzed. Finally, future prospects are outlined, focusing on enhancing energy density, improving safety features, reducing costs, and advancing sustainable production methods and recycling technologies to address the growing demand for green energy solutions.