Among the anode materials, silicon is an ideal anode material for high⁃energy and high⁃power lithium ion batteries because of its exceptionally high theoretical capacity (4 200 mA·h/g) and low operation potential (~0.4 V vs Li/Li+). However, the huge volume change of silicon anode material during Li+ insertion/extraction processes causes serious structural damage and rapid capacity decay. In this paper, the lithium storage mechanism, structure evolution process, interface reaction and dynamic behavior of silicon anode material were explored. The recent progress of surface and interface modification methods, focusing on silicon electrode surface modification, electrolyte optimization and binder development, and their applications in lithium⁃ion batteries were reviewed. Challenges and perspectives about the future development of the surface and interface control of silicon anode were proposed.