The SnO2 quantum dots anchored on amorphous carbon coated multiwalled carbon nanotubes ( CNTs@C@SnO2) and SnO2 quantum dots embedded in amorphous carbon network (SnO2@C) have been designed and fabricated by a solvothermal process accompanied by a high temperature calcination treatment. Such unique structured electrodes exhibit excellent cycle stability and high rate capability. At the current density of 5 A g(-1), the capacities of 515 and 364 mAh g(-1) are achieved after 300 cycles for CNTs@C@SnO2 and SnO2@C, respectively. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.