Method and system for improved performance of silicon anode containing cells through formation

A method of forming a battery, the method comprising:

• subjecting a battery comprising an anode, a nickel oxide containing cathode, and an electrolyte to a formation process, the anode comprising greater than 50% silicon, wherein the formation process comprises, for at least one cycle:
• charging the battery at a 1 C rate to at least a formation charge threshold of 3.8 volts or greater until a current in the battery reaches C/20;
• and
• discharging the battery to at least a formation discharge threshold of less than 2.5 volts, wherein the formation discharge threshold is lower than a discharge threshold used during normal operation of the battery.

A method of forming a battery, the method comprising:

• subjecting a battery comprising an anode, a nickel oxide containing cathode, and an electrolyte to a formation process, the anode comprising greater than 50% silicon, wherein the formation process comprises, for at least one cycle:
• charging the battery at a 1 C rate to 3.8 volts or greater until a current in the battery reaches C/20;
• and
• discharging the battery at a 1 C rate to X percentage of charge capacity, where X ranges from 0.77 to 0.99.