Well-defined nanocomposite electrodes based on active materials and graphene have been known to hold improved lithium ion reaction properties such as the lithium ion insertion/desertion reaction, cycle life, and high rate performance. Here, we report two-dimensional nanocomposites consisting of WO3 nanoplates and graphene nanosheets (GNS) using a hydrothermal method and heating process for use in high-performance lithium ion batteries. A compilation of the data from XRD, SEM, and TEM suggests that the nanocomposites consist of high crystalline WO3 nanoplates and GNS. The capacity and high rate cycling performance of the nanocomposites as an anode for lithium ion batteries are evaluated using coin cells. The nanocomposite electrode with an optimized amount of GNS exhibits high reversible capacity, good capacity retention, and excellent high rate cycling performance. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.