While the description below may describe certain examples in the context of Li and Li-ion batteries (for brevity and convenience, and because of the current popularity of Li technology), it will be appreciated that various aspects may be applicable to other rechargeable and primary batteries (such as Na-ion, Mg-ion, K-ion, Ca-ion, and other metal and metal-ion batteries, etc.). Further, while the description below may also describe certain examples of the material formulations in a Li-free state (for example, as in silicon-comprising nanocomposite anodes), it will be appreciated that various aspects may be applicable to Li-containing electrodes (for example, partially or fully lithiated Si or silicon oxide-comprising anodes, among others).

Further, while the description below may describe certain examples in the context of some specific alloying-type and conversion-type chemistries of anode active materials for Li-ion batteries (such as Si-comprising anodes), it will be appreciated that various aspects may be applicable to other chemistries for Li-ion batteries (other conversion-type and alloying-type electrodes as well as various intercalation-type electrodes, commonly crystalline materials) as well as to other battery chemistries.

During battery (such as a Li-ion battery) operation, conversion materials change (convert) from one crystal structure to another (hence the name “conversion”-type). This process is also accompanied by breaking chemical bonds and forming new ones. During (e.g., Li-ion) battery operation, Li ions are inserted into alloying type materials forming lithium alloys (hence the name “alloying”-type). Sometimes, “alloying”-type electrode materials are considered to be a sub-class of “conversion”-type electrode materials.