Mixed silicon/graphite anode materials have been prepared by means of simple mechanical milling process. Research reveals that the microstructural changes, accompanying the electrochemical alloying/de-alloying operations lead to a macrostructural deformations of the anodes. The key step for improving of such composites, therefore, could be sought in alternative electrode configurations or textures, preserving the electrodes from the detrimental effect of silicon hosts volume variations. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.