Publication date: 15th December 2025
Group 14 materials (C,Si,Ge,Sn) are the most studied family of anode materials for Li-ion batteries.1 While graphite has been the cornerstone of Li-ion battery anode development, it has limited capacity (which limits energy density) and there is growing supply chain uncertainty. In contrast, Si,Ge,Sn are significantly higher capacity materials than graphite but require significant optimisation, as their Li alloying/dealloying mechanisms cause expansion/contraction that can lead to premature cell failure. Group 14 materials also have potential for Na-ion, Li metal and dual-cation systems, which can be built upon Li-ion efforts, to deliver high-performance 'beyond Li-ion' battery chemistries.2 This talk will examine recent efforts in the development of Group 14 materials for Li-ion, Li-metal and Dual-cation batteries. The Li-ion component will focus on Si nanowire anode materials, from direct growth of nanowires on current collectors,3 to upscaling of Si/graphite composites to the kg scale. Understanding of the fundamental charge/discharge mechanisms and material evolution during cycling will be discussed alongside SEI control approaches. The challenges associated with upscaling and importance of full-cell testing will be detailed. The ability of Group 14 nanomaterials to guide Li metal stripping/plating as a route towards hosted Li metal anode will then be detailed, using Ge as a model systems.4 Finally, our recent investigations of dual-cation alloying (Li-Na) in Ge will be discussed,5 as a route towards higher energy densities, where Li cations in the electrolyte serve as a capacity booster. Overall, the talk will highlight the potential and remaining hurdles for the use of Group 14 materials in energy storage applications.
S.A.A acknowledges funding from Irish Research Council-GOIPD/2024/208. H.G. acknowledges funding from Research Ireland grants 18/SIRG/5484 and 24/FFP-P/12869 and EU for the SiGNE project with grant agreement number 101069738.
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