NOVELTY - The rechargeable battery (10) comprises a first conductor (15), an anode (20) attached to the first conductor, a second conductor (35), a cathode (30) attached to the second conductor, and an electrolyte for transporting lithium ions between the anode and the cathode. The anode comprises silicon nanoparticles (60-90 wt.%) and an elastomeric binder binding the silicon nanoparticles together. The silicon nanoparticles have diameters of 100 nm or less. The elastomeric binder includes conductive additives to conduct electrons between the first conductor and silicon nanoparticles.    USE - The rechargeable battery is useful in applications ranging from cell phones to satellites including hybrid vehicles, portable electronics, and advanced space and military applications.    ADVANTAGE - The rechargeable battery has high storage capacity, mitigates active material degradation due to volume expansion, and prevents capacity loss due to separation and electrical isolation of the silicon nanoparticles using nanostructured anodes.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The rechargeable battery (10) comprises a first conductor (15), an anode (20) attached to the first conductor, a second conductor (35), a cathode (30) attached to the second conductor, and an electrolyte for transporting lithium ions between the anode and the cathode. The anode comprises silicon nanoparticles (60-90 wt.%) and an elastomeric binder binding the silicon nanoparticles together. The silicon nanoparticles have diameters of 100 nm or less. The elastomeric binder includes conductive additives to conduct electrons between the first conductor and silicon nanoparticles through the binder. The elastomeric binder is covalently bonded to the silicon nanoparticles by carboxyl or alkoxy groups. The rechargeable battery further comprises a separator (25) disposed between the anode and the cathode and configured to pass lithium ions while providing electrical isolation between the anode and the cathode. The electrolyte comprises a lithium salt in a solvent. INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for:    (1) a method for fabricating an anode of a rechargeable battery; and    (2) an anode formed on a conductor for a rechargeable battery.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The diagram shows a schematic view of a rechargeable battery.    Rechargeable battery (10)    First conductor (15)    First terminal (17)    Anode (20)    Separator (25)    Cathode (30)    Second conductor (35)    Second terminal. (37)