Abstract: An electrochemically active material includes silicon and a transition metal. At least 50 mole % of the transition metal is present in its elemental state, based on the total number of moles of transition metal elements present in the electrochemically active material. An electrochemically active material includes silicon and carbon. At least 50 mole % of the carbon is present in its elemental state, based on the total number of moles of carbon present in the electrochemically active material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fabricating an anode for a lithium-ion battery, comprising the steps of: mixing a silicon/graphite/carbon material, one or more linear polymers, one or more conductive polymers, one or more self-healing polymers, and one or more rubber polymers to produce a slurry; coating the slurry onto a metallic member; and drying the metallic member with coated slurry to form the anode. Also disclosed is an anode and a lithium-ion battery. Also disclosed is a multi-functional polymer binder including one or more linear polymers, one or more conductive polymers, one or more self-healing polymers, and one or more rubber polymers.