The present disclosure relates generally to the field of lithium-ion batteries and battery modules. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to Si-based anode materials for use as anode active materials for lithium-ion batteries. One example includes micron/nano-scale structures that include a carbonate template structure and a silicon (Si) layer conformally deposited over the carbonate template. Another example includes a hollow, micron/nano-scale silicon structure having an oxygen content less than approximately 9%, wherein the interior of the hollow micron/nano-scale silicon structure is substantially free of carbon.