CPC C01B 33/06 (2013.01) [C01B 33/32 (2013.01); H01M 10/0525 (2013.01)] | 19 Claims |
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.
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