ABSTRACT
The first part of this chapter is dedicated to the main principles of lithium-ion battery anode characterization and the main differences between Si and graphitic carbon anodes. The advantages of nanostructured silicon (including porous silicon [PSi]) compared to bulk or thin film silicon are listed. In the second part, the different synthesis paths of PSi to form Li-ion battery anode are detailed. The performances of PSi layers, particles, or nanowire-containing anodes are compared. As native Si is not stable enough to obtain acceptable cycling performances, the last part of this chapter develops PSi surface posttreatment to form a protective shell for the nanostructured Si electrode and improve its conductivity. Two kinds of materials are usually employed as protective layers: carbon coating or metal decoration.
