Nb2O5 is considered as a promising safe anode material for lithium ion batteries due to its high operating voltage (>1 V) that prevents the formation of the solid electrolyte interface; however, the low intrinsic conductivity and pulverization during long-term charge/discharge process limit its practical use. To address these twin adverse issues, we report on the development of a 3-D nanoporous anode that is binder-free by uniformly depositing in-situ orthorhombic Nb2O5 nanocrystals inside the highly conductive carbon nanotube sponge. The end result is a novel 3-D hybrid anode that delivers a maximum reversible capacity of 230 mAh g(-1) within a voltage window of 1.0-3.0 V versus Li/Li+. At a current density of 1 A g(-1) (5C), the hybrid anode exhibits a specific capacity of-150 mAh g(-1) with an 82% retention after 1000 charge/discharge cycles, which represents an improved cycling stability and rate capability compared to conventional powder anodes. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.