Abstract: Particulate dispersions and composites are disclosed which comprise graphite and alloy particles comprising both active (e.g. Si) and inactive phases with regards to electrochemical activity with alkali or alkaline earth metals (e.g. lithium). The alloy particles are highly dispersed as primary particles with graphite particles and/or within the graphite particles' matrix in a novel manner and can be prepared using simple mechanofusion dry processing methods. In the composites prepared, the alloy particles are essentially embedded between layers in the graphite matrix. Improved performance can be obtained when these dispersions or composites are used in lithium insertion anodes for rechargeable lithium batteries, including high capacity, good cycling performance, and rate capability.

Abstract: Improved methods for preparing lithium transition metal oxide particulate such as lithium nickel metal cobalt oxide (“NMC”) for use in lithium batteries and other applications are disclosed. The lithium transition metal oxide particulate is prepared from appropriate transition metal oxide and Li compound precursors mainly using dry, solid state processes including dry impact milling and heating. Further, novel precursor particulates and novel methods for preparing precursor particles for this and other applications are disclosed.

Abstract: Simple, material-efficient microgranulation methods are disclosed for aggregating precursor particles into larger product particles with improved properties and, in some instances, novel structures. The product particles are useful in applications requiring uniform, smooth, spherical, or rounded particles such as for electrode materials in lithium batteries and other applications.

Abstract: Particulate dispersions and composites are disclosed which comprise graphite and alloy particles comprising both active (e.g. Si) and inactive phases with regards to electrochemical activity with alkali or alkaline earth metals (e.g. lithium). The alloy particles are highly dispersed as primary particles with graphite particles and/or within the graphite particles' matrix in a novel manner and can be prepared using simple mechanofusion dry processing methods. In the composites prepared, the alloy particles are essentially embedded between layers in the graphite matrix. Improved performance can be obtained when these dispersions or composites are used in lithium insertion anodes for rechargeable lithium batteries, including high capacity, good cycling performance, and rate capability.

Abstract: An electrode composition for a lithium ion battery that includes an amorphous alloy having the formula SixMyAlz where x, y, and z represent atomic percent values and (a) x+y+z=100, (b) x?55, (c) y<22, (d) z>0, and (e) M is one or more metals selected from the group consisting of manganese, molybdenum, niobium, tungsten, tantalum, iron, copper, titanium, vanadium, chromium, nickel, cobalt, zirconium, yttrium, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Alloy compositions, lithium ion batteries, and methods of making lithium ion batteries are described. The lithium ion batteries have anodes that contain an alloy composition that includes a) silicon, b) aluminum, c) transition metal, d) tin, e) indium, and f) a sixth element that contains yttrium, a lanthanide element, an actinide element, or a combination thereof. The alloy composition is a mixture of an amorphous phase that includes silicon and a crystalline phase that includes an intermetallic compound of 1) tin, 2) indium, and 3) the sixth element.

Abstract: Alloy compositions, lithium ion batteries, and methods of making lithium ion batteries are described. The lithium ion batteries have anodes that contain an alloy composition that includes a) silicon, b) aluminum, c) transition metal, d) tin, and e) a fifth element that contains yttrium, a lanthanide element, an actinide element, or a combination thereof. The alloy composition is a mixture of an amorphous phase that includes silicon and a nanocrystalline phase that includes an intermetallic compound of tin and the fifth element.

Abstract: Alloy compositions are described for use in anodes of lithium ion batteries. The alloy compositions contain (a) tin, (b) a second element that includes silicon, aluminum, or a combination thereof, (c) a third element that includes yttrium, a lanthanide element, an actinide element, or a combination thereof and an optional alkaline earth element, and (d) an optional transition metal. The alloy compositions are amorphous and remain amorphous even after multiple cycles of lithiation and delithiation.

Abstract: Lithium ion batteries and methods of making lithium ion batteries are described. The lithium ion batteries have an anode that includes a silicon containing, alloy-type material. The alloy composition, which suppresses the formation of crystalline Li15Si4 during lithiation, contains (i) silicon, (ii) copper, and (iii) silver or a silver alloy.

Abstract: An electrode composition for a lithium-ion battery comprising particles having an average particle size ranging from 1 ?m to 50 ?m. The particles include an electrochemically active phase and an electrochemically inactive phase that share a common phase boundary. The electrochemically active phase includes elemental silicon and the electrochemically inactive phase includes at least two metal elements in the form of an intermetallic compound, a solid solution, or combination thereof. Each of the phases is free of crystallites that are greater than 1000 angstroms prior to cycling. In addition, the electrochemically active phase is amorphous after the electrode has been cycled through one full charge-discharge cycle in a lithium-ion battery.