A Novel 3D porous Sn-Cu architecture is prepared as an anode material for use in an advanced lithium ion battery. Micro-lamellar-structured 3D porous Cu foam, which is electroless-plated with Sn as an active material, is used as anode current collector. Compared to Sn-coated Cu foil, the 3D Sn-Cu foam exhibits superior Li-ion capacity and stable capacity retention, demonstrating the advantage of 3D porous architecture by preserving its structural integrity. In addition, the effect of heat-treatment after Sn plating is investigated. SniSn(6)Cu(5) and SnO2/CuloSn(3) were formed on and in the 3D Sn-Cu foam under the heat treatment at 150 degrees C and 500 degrees C, respectively. The development of Cu10Sn3 in the 3D Sn-Cu foam heat treated at 500 degrees C can be a key factor for the enhanced cyclic stability because the Cu10Sn3 inactively reacts with Li-ion and alleviates the volume expansion of SnO2 as an inactive matrix. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.