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: 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.