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: 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: Herein are described compositions, anodes and batteries utilizing a plurality of amorphous silicon nanocrystals and a solid electrolyte. These compositions provide anode and batteries that have improved first columbic efficiencies when compared to analogous systems prepared with crystalline silicon nanocrystals. The methods of the production of the admixtures, the anodes and the cells/batteries are also provided.

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: Processes for the manufacture of porous particulates for use in lithium ion batteries are described. The porous materials include silicon active materials carried in a continuous matrix that includes a carbon phase and a solid-electrolyte phase.

Abstract: Solid state compositions for use in an anode of a secondary battery, anodes, and lithium ion batteries are provided which include silicon carbide nanofibers, preferably carried in and reinforcing both an anode active material and a solid electrolyte. Methods of production and use are further described.

Abstract: The mechanochemical functionalization of silicon nanoparticles and 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, preferably an alkyl-hydride-functionalization. The resulting product includes a plurality of silicon nanoparticles each carrying an alkyl-functionalization, and preferably a hydride-functionalization, derived from an alkane.

Abstract: The process of bi-functionalizing silicon nanoparticles and bi-functionalized silicon nanoparticles are described. The processes include applying shear forces to silicon metal in the presence of an alkane, thereby providing an alkyl-hydride-functionalized silicon nanoparticle, which is then treated with a reactant, e.g., a compound that reacts with the hydride functionality, to provide the bi-functionalized silicon nanoparticles. The resulting product can include a plurality of functionalities on a silicon nanoparticle derived from alkenes, alkynes, aldehydes, alcohols, thiols, amines, carboxylates, and/or carboxylic acids.

Abstract: Secondary batteries which include embedded silicon carbide nanofibers are described and provided. Methods of production of the materials for use in the secondary batteries are further described.

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: Solid state compositions for use in an anode of a secondary battery, anodes, and lithium ion batteries are provided which include silicon carbide nanofibers, preferably carried in and reinforcing both an anode active material and a solid electrolyte. 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: 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.