Silicon-Deposited Porous Carbon Anodes: A Design Paradigm for Next-Generation High-Energy-Density Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract Silicon is a promising anode for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its exceptionally high theoretical capacity, yet severe volume expansion and interfacial instability hinder practical application. Silicon-deposited porous carbon (SiDPC), which spatially confines nanosized silicon within porous carbon frameworks, offers a distinct structural paradigm beyond conventional mechanically blended Si–C composites. This mini-review summarizes the evolution and engineering principles of SiDPC architectures, highlighting how structural regulation governs electrochemical performance. Particular attention is given to the synergistic management of volume expansion, stress evolution, electron/Li+ transport, and solid electrolyte interphase formation, through which SiDPC has evolved from passive buffering to active structural regulation. Remaining challenges in scalable synthesis, electrode engineering, and practical application are discussed, alongside opportunities for programmable Si–C architectures enabled by intelligent structural design. This review provides mechanistic insights and design guidelines for advancing SiDPC toward practical high-energy-density silicon anodes for LIBs.