Pioneering the direct large-scale laser printing of flexible “graphenic silicon” self-standing thin films as ultrahigh-performance lithium-ion battery anodes

Recent technological advancements, such as portable electronics and electric vehicles, have created a pressing need for more efficient energy storage solutions. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been the preferred choice for these applications, with graphite being the standard anode material due to its stability. However, graphite falls short of meeting the growing demand for higher energy density, possessing a theoretical capacity that lags behind. To address this, researchers are actively seeking alternative materials to replace graphite in commercial batteries. One promising avenue involves lithium-alloying materials like silicon and phosphorus, which offer high theoretical capacities. Carbon–silicon composites have emerged as a viable option, showing improved capacity and performance over traditional graphite or pure silicon anodes. Yet, the existing methods for synthesizing these composites remain complex, energy-intensive, and costly, preventing widespread adoption. A groundbreaking approach is presented here: the use of a laser writing strategy to rapidly transform common organic carbon precursors and silicon blends into efficient “graphenic silicon” composite thin films. These films exhibit exceptional structural and energy storage properties. The resulting three-dimensional porous composite anodes showcase impressive attributes, including ultrahigh silicon content, remarkable cyclic stability (over 4500 cycles with ∼40% retention), rapid charging rates (up to 10 A g⁻¹), substantial areal capacity (>5.1 mAh cm⁻²), and excellent gravimetric capacity (>2400 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.2 A g⁻¹). This strategy marks a significant step toward the scalable production of high-performance LIB materials. Leveraging widely available, cost-effective precursors, the laser-printed “graphenic silicon” composites demonstrate unparalleled performance, potentially streamlining anode production while maintaining exceptional capabilities. This innovation not only paves the way for advanced LIBs but also sets a precedent for transforming various materials into high-performing electrodes, promising reduced complexity and cost in battery production.