Abstract: The formation of amorphous silicon for use in, for example, lithium-ion batteries is disclosed. The process can include milling a plurality of silicon nanocrystals having an average particle diameter and a percent crystallinity greater than about 60%, in a unit designed to reduce the average particle diameter to the same or a larger size, thereby forming a plurality of amorphous silicon nanoparticles having about the same average particle diameter as the silicon nanocrystals and a percent crystallinity of less than about 50%.

Abstract: Composite anode-active particulates that include lithium-active, silicon nanoparticles in carbon matrices impregnated with solid electrolyte are described with methods for their preparation. The composite active particulates preferably include a solid electrolyte phase carried within pores of the particulate.

Abstract: Herein are described materials for a lithium ion anode, processes of manufacturing the lithium ion anode, and batteries that include the lithium ion anode. The materials can include a metal or metal alloy nanoparticulate carrying a solid electrolyte interface. The process can include admixing a lithium accepting material that is a metal or metal alloy nanoparticulate carrying a solid electrolyte interface with a conductive carbon; and then preparing a film of the admixture on an electrical substrate. The battery is assembled from the as manufactured lithium ion anode.