Modified SiO as a high performance anode for Li-ion batteries

► The m-SiO is prepared using heat treatment followed by mechanical milling. ► The m-SiO is composed of nano Si embedded in a Si-suboxide/amorphous SiO2 matrix. ► Ex-situ XRD and HRTEM have been performed to investigate the reaction mechanism. ► The m10-SiO electrode exhibited ∼1000 mAh g−1 over 50 cycles.