| abstract |
A method for preparing a particulate material comprising particles of a Group IVa element, its oxide or its alloy, comprising: (a) dry grinding the particles from a Group IVa element, its oxide or its alloy ingot Obtaining micrometer sized particles; and (b) wet pulverizing the micrometer particles dispersed in a solvent carrier to obtain nanometer sized particles having a size in the range of 10 to 100 nanometers. Wherein, optionally, a stabilizer is added during or after wet milling. The method can further include (c) drying the nanometer sized particles. The method also includes (d) mixing nanometer-sized particles with a carbon precursor, and (e) pyrolyzing the mixture, thereby making it at least partially conductive on the surface of the particles. Forming a coating of carbon. This particulate material can be used in the manufacture of the cathode of an electrochemical cell or electrochemical storage energy device. |