SnO2 nanorods with 2D network structure prepared via an effective method of using the skins of garlic bulbs as templates are examined as anode materials for Li-ion battery. The samples are composed of SnO2 nanorods with length of ca. 80 nm and possess high BET surface area of 163.25 m(2) g(-1). The synthesized SnO2 electrode shows a high specific capacity (ca. 620 mAh g(-1)), an excellent cycling stability and a good rate capability but low initial coulombic efficiency. The nanorods characteristics of SnO2 ensure the fast Li-ion diffusion in the electrode. The loose network structure provides the electrode with a sufficient void space, which sufficiently alleviates the mechanical stress caused by volume change, and thus avoids the electrode to pulverize in the charge-discharge process. Therefore, the obtained SnO2 electrode shows a good cyclic stability and a high rate performance. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.