a method of removing silicon - dioxide from silicon powder . the method comprises : providing a silicon powder defined by each particle having a silicon core and a silicon dioxide layer surrounding the silicon core ; dispersing the particles in a dispersing solution ; adding an etching solution , wherein the etching solution removes the silicon dioxide layer ; adding an organic solvent , thereby producing an organic phase and an aqueous phase , the organic phase comprising the silicon cores and the organic solvent , and the aqueous phase comprising the dispersing solution , the etching solution , and the etching by - products ; coating each silicon core with an organic material ; draining out the aqueous phase ; washing the organic phase , wherein the remaining material from the aqueous phase is removed ; and providing the silicon powder as a plurality of silicon cores each absent a silicon dioxide layer and having an organic coating .