FeSn2-TiC nanocomposite alloy anodes for lithium-ion batteries have been synthesized by a mechanochemical process involving high-energy mechanical milling of Fe/Ti, Ti/Sn, and carbon black. Characterization of the nanocomposites formed with x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals that this alloy is composed of crystalline nanoparticles of FeSn2 dispersed in a matrix of TiC. The FeSn2-TiC alloy shows an initial gravimetric capacity of 511 mAh g(-1) (1073 mAh cm(-3)) with a first-cycle coulombic efficiency of 77% and a tap density of 2.1 g cm(-3). The TiC buffer matrix in the nanocomposite anode accommodates the large volume change occurring during the charge discharge process and leads to good cyclability compared to similar Snbased anodes. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.