Abstract: Provided is an anode particulate for a lithium battery, the particulate comprising a core and a thin encapsulating layer that encapsulates or embraces the core, wherein the core comprises a single or a plurality of primary particles of an anode active material, having a volume Va, dispersed or embedded in a porous carbon matrix (a carbon foam), wherein the porous carbon matrix contains pores having a pore volume Vp, and the thin encapsulating layer comprises graphene sheets and has a thickness from 1 nm to 10 ?m, an electric conductivity from 10?6 S/cm to 20,000 S/cm and a lithium ion conductivity from 10?8 S/cm to 5×10?2 S/cm and wherein the volume ratio Vp/Va is from 0.5/1.0 to 5.0/1.0. The carbon foam is preferably reinforced with a high-strength material.

Abstract: Provided is an anode particulate for a lithium battery, the particulate comprising a core and a thin encapsulating layer that encapsulates or embraces the core, wherein the core comprises a single or a plurality of primary particles of an anode active material, having a volume Va, dispersed or embedded in a porous carbon matrix (a carbon foam), wherein the porous carbon matrix contains pores having a pore volume Vp, and the thin encapsulating layer comprises graphene sheets and has a thickness from 1 nm to 10 ?m, an electric conductivity from 10?6 S/cm to 20,000 S/cm and a lithium ion conductivity from 10?8 S/cm to 5×10?2 S/cm and wherein the volume ratio Vp/Va is from 0.5/1.0 to 5.0/1.0. The carbon foam is preferably reinforced with a high-strength material.