Though lithium ion batteries are popular in many fields, high performance electrode materials with reasonable structure are desired. Herein, Sn/nitrogen-doped graphene (NGN) was fabricated with the help of 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane anion (TCNQ center dot(-)). TCNQ center dot(-) was used to anchor Sn4+ into the graphene layer with the electrostatic interaction, which improves the distribution of Sn nanoparticles. Meanwhile, TCNQ center dot(-) acts as a nitrogen source to construct N doped graphene, enhancing the electron conductivity of the composite. Benefiting from the strong structure and good ion/electron conductivity, the Sn/ NGN composite achieved excellent electrochemical battery performance. At high rates of 1 and 2 A g(-1), capacities of 433 and 353 mA h g(-1) were acquired, respectively. Moreover, the Sn/NGN composite outputted a high capacity of 584 mA h g(-1) at the end of 1000 cycles at 1 A g(-1). (C) 2019 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.