  Thermodynamics and kinetics of lithium intercalation into C--SiO$_2$
nanocomposites are investigated. Dependencies of both differential capacity and
intercalation kinetics on the nanocomposite size are established. The processes
are analyzed in terms of the impedance model. The obtained results are
explained based on the quantum effect of interference blockade of electron
tunneling into a nonmetallic nanoparticle. Propositions for the new
electrochemical energy storage technology are presented.
