Abstract: A nanocomposite anode structure and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. The nanocomposite comprises a set of substantially dispersed nanoparticles configured to absorb and release lithium ions, wherein each nanoparticle of the set of nanoparticles comprises a core and a shell physically coupled to the core, the core further comprising a set of bonded silicon atoms, the shell further comprising a set of bonded carbon atoms, wherein a core diameter is less than 20 nm, and wherein the shell has a thickness of about 0.1 to about 2 nm. And a set of electrically coupled carbon particles substantially dispersed in the nanocomposite, wherein the set of carbon particles is further electrically coupled with the set of nanoparticles.