Si/C composites, based on nano-Si, flake graphite and phenolic resin-pyrolyzed amorphous carbon, were synthesized by liquid solidification and subsequent pyrolysis. The performances of the prepared Si/C composites are investigated by means of thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and galvanostatic cell cycling, as well as cyclic voltammograms. The results indicate that the initial charge capacity of the composites is 640.51 mA h g(-1) at a current density of 100 mA g(-1) and the initial coulombic efficiency is 73.82%. The Si/C composites also exhibit excellent cycling performances when cycled at different discharge/charge rates. (C) 2013 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B. V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.