Methods of making a negative electrode material for an electrochemical cell that cycles lithium ions is provided. The method may include centrifugally distributing a molten precursor comprising silicon, oxygen, and lithium by contacting the molten precursor with a rotating surface in a centrifugal atomizing reactor. The molten precursor is formed by combining lithium, silicon, and oxygen. For example, the precursor may be formed from a mixture comprising silicon dioxide (SiO2), lithium oxide (Li2O), and silicon (Si). The method may further include solidifying the molten precursor to form a plurality of substantially round solid electroactive particles comprising a mixture of lithium silicide (LiySi, where 0