Progression of the silicate cathode materials used in lithium ion batteries

Poly anionic silicate materials, which demonstrate a high theoretical capacity, high security, environmental friendliness and low-cost, are considered one of the most promising candidates for use as cathode materials in the next generation of lithium-ion batteries. This paper summarizes the structure and performance characteristics of these materials. The effects of different synthesis methods and calcination temperature on the properties of these materials are reviewed. Materials that demonstrate low conductivity, poor stability, cationic disorder or other drawbacks, and the use of various modification techniques, such as carbon-coating or compositing, elemental doping and combination with mesoporous materials, are evaluated as well. In addition, further research topics and the possibility of using these kinds of cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries are discussed.