With the rapid development of science and technology and the growth of human demand for green energy, lithium-ion batteries as an efficient and reliable energy storage solution are widely used in batteries, power batteries and energy storage batteries. The effectiveness of these batteries is highly contingent on the quality of their electrode materials, with an emphasis on the anode. To meet the growing demand for batteries with a high energy density and an extended cycle life, some innovative approaches are explored to anode material. Despite the strides made in enhancing anode performance, the existing challenges include the often-expensive manufacturing processes and raw materials involved. This factor hinders widespread adoption and affordability in a large scale. A focus in the field shifts towards the next generation of anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The pursuit of materials are high-performance and cost-effective.Clay minerals as vital mineral resources have natural unique micro-/nano-structures, substantial specific surface area, and good thermal/chemical stability, which have broad applications in environmental remediation, mechanical manufacturing, and petrochemical industries. A recent focus on clay minerals extends to energy storage, particularly in the field of lithium-ion battery anode materials. Clay minerals can serve as inorganic templates for crafting carbon-based anode materials and act as precursors for silicon-based anode materials in lithium-ion batteries due to their abundant silicon elements and micro-/nano-structures. Despite the existing research, there is still a gap in meeting commercialization needs. Summarizing research progress is thus crucial to unearth a potential of clay minerals in preparing anode materials for lithium-ion batteries and advancing their commercialization.This review was to sort out the coupling between the structural features of clay minerals and the structure/ properties of clay mineral-derived nanomaterials. This review categorized clay minerals by ionic type, providing a detailed description of natural clay minerals, particularly the often-overlooked anionic clay minerals, in a systematic manner. Clay mineral-derived nanomaterials are classified into carbon-based and silicon-based materials, accompanied by detailed preparation methods. This review also outlined the specific applications of clay mineral-derived carbon-based and silicon-based nanomaterials in lithium-ion battery anode materials. In addition, some challenges hindering the commercialization of clay mineral-derived anode nanomaterials in the lithium-ion battery anode field were summarized.Summary and prospects Clay minerals with their distinct morphology, crystal structure and surface physicochemical properties have some advantages in the realm of carbon-based and silicon-based materials, having an application potential in commercialized lithium-ion battery anodes. However, the preparation of clay mineral-derived nanomaterials and their commercialization as anode materials still have several challenges.Clay minerals from different geographic environments or mineral sources, along with differing origins and purification methods have challenges to ensure uniformity in the structure and performance of clay mineral-derived carbon-based and silicon-based materials. To address this, there is a need to strengthen mineralogical and process research of clay minerals from diverse origins, structures, and compositions. This can contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the diversity and complexity of clay minerals, and provide abundant basic data for the subsequent development of low-cost, green and efficient clay mineral purification methods and modification technologies.The preparation of clay mineral-derived silicon nanomaterials through magnesium thermal reduction has some challenges like impurities in the products and inhomogeneous properties. The existing process is in the laboratory stage, and there is a need to improve the magnesium thermal reduction method or develop cost-effective methods for producing high-performance silicon nanomaterials to enhance commercialization possibilities. Improving reaction condition (i.e., slower ramp rates, staged ramping and the use of thermal scavengers) can mitigate some issues related to excessively high temperatures and ensure product quality. The emerging electrochemical reduction method is also in the early stages of development and requires a continuous improvement.The development of low-cost and simple preparation methods for silicon/carbon nanocomposites is crucial for their scale-up applications. The development of more low-cost preparation techniques for silicon/carbon nanocomposites in combination with the easily tunable structure and properties of clay minerals is expected to accelerate the commercialization of silicon/carbon anode materials.Clay mineral-derived nanomaterials are widely used in lithium-ion battery anode materials. The further developments on raw materials, preparation methods, and performance optimization are essential to meet commercialization demands. Collaborative research efforts between academia and industry are crucial to exploring key issues in the preparation process. Accelerating the transition from laboratory-scale research to industrial manufacturing via combining practical production experience with advanced technology through industry cooperation is vital for the in-depth development of clay mineral-derived nanomaterials in lithium-ion battery anode materials.