US 11,753,305 B2
Methods of producing pre-lithiated silicon oxide electroactive materials comprising silicides and silicates
Zhongyi Liu, Troy, MI (US); Xiaosong Huang, Novi, MI (US); and Bradley R. Frieberg, Farmington Hills, MI (US)
Assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed by GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed on Sep. 13, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/473,856.
Prior Publication US 2023/0077943 A1, Mar. 16, 2023
Int. Cl. C01B 33/06 (2006.01); C01B 33/32 (2006.01); H01M 10/0525 (2010.01)
CPC C01B 33/06 (2013.01) [C01B 33/32 (2013.01); H01M 10/0525 (2013.01)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of making a negative electrode material for an electrochemical cell that cycles lithium ions, the method comprising:
centrifugally distributing a molten precursor comprising silicon, oxygen, and lithium by contacting the molten precursor with a rotating surface in a centrifugal atomizing reactor and solidifying the molten precursor to form a plurality of substantially round solid electroactive particles comprising a mixture of lithium silicide (LiySi, where 0<y≤4.4) and a lithium silicate (Li4SiO4) and having a D50 diameter of less than or equal to about 20 micrometers,
wherein a temperature in the centrifugal atomizing reactor is greater than or equal to 400° C. to less than or equal to about 800° C. during the centrifugally distributing.