Si/C composites as anode materials for lithium ion batteries

An active material containing silicon, and a carbon precursor containing lignin are provided. The active material is contacted with carbon precursor at 400[deg] C or more in an inert gas atmosphere, such that lignin is converted into inorganic carbon, to obtain silicon-carbon composite. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) silicon-carbon composite; (2) anode material; (3) production of anode; and (4) lithium ion battery.