Silicon–Carbon–Lithium Hybrid Nanocomposites

Silicon and lithium metal-based anode materials attract enormous attention for lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) owing to the high lithiation capacity of Si (~ 3600 mAh g−1) and lithium (~ 3860 mAh g−1). However, the issues of interfacial instability and lack of structural integrity of such anodes exacerbate their performance in LSBs. Besides, the growth of lithium dendrites raises safety issues in LSBs. In this chapter, we critically review the current state-of-the-art research and development progress on silicon–carbon–lithium hybrid nanocomposites as anodes for LSBs including the synthesis and prelithiation strategies as well as structural and electrochemical characterization of the electrodes. Finally, the conclusions and future research directions of silicon–carbon–lithium nanocomposite anodes for the next-generation LSBs are presented.