the present embodiment relates to a method for preparing a composite graphite - silicon negative electrode material whereby an essentially dry mixture of graphite carbon powder and an element or elements selected from the new iupac group number 12 - 15 of the periodic table of elements that can form alloys or compounds with lithium is prepared to provide an electrochemically active mixture . a mechanical agitation process serves to mix the constituent materials and to produce a fine dispersion with intimate contact between graphite and the group 12 - 15 materials . a lithium ion battery negative electrode of this composition takes synergistic advantage of the high lithium capacity of some iupac group materials and the long cycle - life of graphite negative electrode materials .