Abstract: In an embodiment, a process for producing a particulate silicon-carbon nanocomposite (SCN) material includes: providing primary graphite particles carrying nanoscale silicon particles on outer surfaces thereof; performing a high shear mixing procedure to produce primary graphite particles carrying a multiplicity of silicon nanostructures exhibiting plate-like morphologies; distributing a source of amorphous carbon over the primary graphite particles carrying such silicon nanostructures; and producing by way of a carbonization procedure an amorphous carbon layer at least partially surrounding the outer surface of each primary graphite particle, within which such silicon nanostructures are embedded.

Abstract: Provided is a positive electrode for a lithium ion battery, the electrode comprising a nano-crystalline layered-layered composite structure of a material having the general formula xLi2MO3(1?x)LiM?O2 in which 0<x<1, where M? is one or more ion with an average oxidation state of three and with at least one ion being Mn or Ni, and where M is one or more ions with an average oxidation state of four. Another aspect provides a positive electrode for a lithium ion battery, the electrode comprising a nano-crystalline layered-spinel composite structure of a material having the general formula xLi2MnO3. (1?x)LiMn2?yMyO4 in which 0.5<x<1.0, 0?y<1, and where M is one or more metal cations. Also provided is the positive electrode which comprises a nano-coating of inert oxide, inert phosphate or inert fluoride on the nano-crystalline composite structure.

Abstract: A method for producing a volume change compensated (SSLC) material is disclosed. An initially prelithiated SSLC material is produced and delithiated to produce a delithiated SSLC material. Perform at least one iteration involving: (a) re-prelithiating the delithiated SSLC material to produce a re-prelithiated SSLC material; and (b) delithiating the re-prelithiated SSLC material produced in (a). At least one of the following is satisfied: (i) prior to performing the at least one iteration the initially prelithiated SSLC material is essentially completely lithiated; and (ii) at least one iteration produces a re-prelithiated SSLC material that is essentially completely prelithiated. In a final iteration, delithiating the re-prelithiated SSLC material produced in (a) completely delithiates the re-prelithiated SSLC material to produce the volume change compensated SSLC material.