Challenges of 3D printing in LIB electrodes: Emphasis on material-design properties, and performance of 3D printed Si-based LIB electrodes

Various 3D printing methods like inkjet printing, direct ink writing, and fused deposition modelling were reported in this review. Firstly, the work covered various 3D printed carbon-based LIB electrodes and goes on to cover the 3D printed metal oxides-based LIB electrodes, then finally, the work narrows down to emphasize 3D Si-based LIB electrodes. In addition, the review also capture how silica are obtained from renewable and biomass sources in order to establish a sustainability niche for silica-based LIB electrodes. The focus of the work is on how pristine silica and silica composites can be 3D printed on substrates, for cathodic and anodic applications in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The merits and demerits of most prominent 3D printing techniques were well presented, with emphasis on active material preparation, and operational parameters for each printing technique. The work showed that 3D printing can be used to achieve silica thin films with controlled thickness, since one of the major setbacks of using silica is the problem of homogenous thickness and surface cover. Silica, plus other active materials like LTO, PEDOT, PVP, GO, CNT, clay, TiO₂, Fe₃O₄, and other TMOs can be mixed through various methods and 3D printed to achieve outstanding energy density, power density, capacity and cycle life.