Recent advances in silicon-based composite anodes modified by metal-organic frameworks and their derivatives for lithium-ion battery applications

Silicon and its oxides remain the most promising and alternative anode materials for increasing the energy density of Li-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their high theoretical specific capacity and suitable operating voltage. However, the severe volume change effect and rapid capacity attenuation problem make the design and advancement of silicon-based anode materials still challenging for state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery technology. Fortunately, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been widely attracted as emerging materials in energy storage and conversion due to their tunable properties, outstanding morphological and structural advantages. The application of MOF and its derivatives to recast the energy storage properties of silicon and its oxides anode materials is an intriguing approach, where the silicon and its oxide can be embedded into MOF and its derivatives to generate the unique composite anode materials. Besides, the stability of the electrode materials can be significantly improved by adjusting and maintaining the composition and pristine structure of the MOF. However, it is still a great challenge that how to make MOFs better coated on silicon-based materials and what type of MOFs to choose for modification. Concentrating on the above key points, this review paper focuses on the application of MOFs and their derivatives in improving the rational design of silicon and its oxides for Li-ion battery anodes, comparing the advantages and disadvantages of different preparation methods, and discussing the lithium storage mechanism of as-synthesized MOF-modified silicon-based materials, which shows practical significance for the subsequent research in energy storage systems.