Abstract: Compositions, anodes, and batteries are described herein and incorporate particulates that feature carbon matrices having embedded therein a plurality of amorphous silicon nanoparticles. One embodiment includes a particulate composed of a porous carbon matrix and a plurality of amorphous silicon nanoparticles affixed to an interior surface of the porous carbon matrix and adjacent to an open volume that defines specific pores. Yet another embodiment is an anode active particulate that features a plurality of amorphous silicon nanoparticles affixed to interior surfaces of a porous carbon matrix, where the anode active particulate has a “Standard-FCE” value that is about 5% greater than a “Standard-FCE” value of an analogous anode active particle having crystalline silicon nanocrystals.

Abstract: Compositions, anodes, and batteries are described herein and incorporate particulates that feature carbon matrices having embedded therein a plurality of amorphous silicon nanoparticles. One embodiment includes a particulate composed of a porous carbon matrix and a plurality of amorphous silicon nanoparticles affixed to an interior surface of the porous carbon matrix and adjacent to an open volume that defines specific pores. Yet another embodiment is an anode active particulate that features a plurality of amorphous silicon nanoparticles affixed to interior surfaces of a porous carbon matrix, where the anode active particulate has a “Standard-FCE” value that is about 5% greater than a “Standard-FCE” value of an analogous anode active particle having crystalline silicon nanocrystals.

Abstract: A milling system which includes a reservoir shaped and sized to contain a solvent or a slurry including the solvent and a material to be milled, a treatment column in communication with the reservoir, wherein the treatment column is configured to remove one or more of water, oxygen, and/or other impurities from the solvent, and a mill in fluid communication with the reservoir, wherein the mill is configured to triturate the material. The treatment column may be fluidly isolated from the rest of the system during milling.

Abstract: Silicon anode compositions are provided which include embedded silicon carbide nanofibers. Methods of production and use are further described.

Abstract: Silicon anode compositions are provided which include embedded silicon carbide nanofibers. Methods of production and use are further described.

Abstract: The mechanochemically functionalizing silicon nanoparticles and the functionalized silicon nanoparticles are described. The processes include applying shear forces to silicon metal the presence of an alkane and thereby functionalizing the silicon with an alkyl-functionalization. The resulting product includes a plurality of silicon nanoparticles each carrying an alkyl-functionalization derived from an alkane.

Abstract: Compositions for use in an anode of a secondary battery, anodes, and lithium ion batteries are provided which include embedded silicon carbide nanofibers. Methods of production and use are further described.

Abstract: The mechanochemically functionalizing silicon nanoparticles and the functionalized silicon nanoparticles are described. The processes include applying shear forces to silicon metal the presence of an alkane and thereby functionalizing the silicon with an alkyl-functionalization. The resulting product includes a plurality of silicon nanoparticles each carrying an alkyl-functionalization derived from an alkane.