Research Progress on Structure and Performance Regulation of Silicon-based Anode Materials via Mechanical Ball Milling

Silicon, due to its exceptionally high theoretical capacity, is widely regarded as an ideal candidate for the anode material in next-generation high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries.However, its practical application is limited by several critical issues, including significant volume expansion during repeated cycling, poor intrinsic conductivity, and instability at the electrode-electrolyte interface.Mechanical ball milling, a solid-state processing technique, offers significant advantages in the performance enhancement of silicon-based anode materials due to its adjustable structure, simplicity in operation, and scalability.This method enables precise control over particle size, morphology, and structural * , : 2 characteristics, providing an efficient and flexible strategy for improving material performance without the need for overly complex or stringent processing conditions.This review summarizes the recent progress in the application of mechanical ball milling for the performance optimization of silicon-based anode materials.Representative advancements include the controlled preparation of nanosilicon, rational design of silicon-carbon composite materials, construction of silicon-metal and metal silicide composite systems, and the implementation of in situ coating strategies.Overall, these studies clearly demonstrate that mechanical ball milling plays a key role in enhancing the structural stability and electrochemical performance of silicon-based anodes.Furthermore, the paper discusses the main challenges currently faced in this field, such as poor uniformity of composite materials, the complexity of controlling energy input during milling, and limited understanding of the interface reaction mechanisms.Finally, emerging directions in the field are highlighted, including smart ball milling, interface engineering, and data-driven optimization, which are expected to provide valuable insights for the practical application and commercial promotion of high-performance silicon-based anode materials in high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries.