Methods for making a negative electrode material for use in an electrochemical cell, like a lithium ion battery, are provided. The electroactive material comprises silicon. The electroactive material comprises a functionalized surface having a grafted reactive group (e.g., an epoxide group, an amino group, a carboxyl group, and the like). The functionalized surface is admixed and reacted with a polymeric binder (e.g., polyalkylene oxide (PAO), polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyimide (PI), and the like that also has at least one reactive functional group) and optionally electrically conductive particles. A porous solid electrode material is thus formed. Negative electrodes are also provided, which provide significant performance benefits and reduce the issues associated with capacity fade, diminished electrochemical cell performance, cracking, and short lifespan associated with conventional silicon anode materials.