In the field of drilling engineering， silicon-based materials show great potential for application due to their excellent physicochemical properties， especially in deep and extra-deep wells downhole operations under harsh environments such as high temperature， high pressure， and high salinity. This paper reviews the classification of silicon-containing treatments and their current research status in drilling fluid. The specific applications of silicon-based treatments are described， which consist of inorganic silicates， nano-SiO₂， organosilicon， and hybrid silicate as the main components. These applications include strengthening the stability of the well wall， controlling the malignant leakage of the borehole， and improving the comprehensive performance of drilling fluids. This paper also discusses the technical challenges and research directions faced by silicon-based materials in the future application of oil and gas mineral exploration and development. This is of great significance for further optimizing silicon-based material technology and making it applicable to drilling engineering in complex formations.