Micro/nanostructured SiOx/C composite was firstly synthesized by carbothermal reduction of silica-carbon binary xerogel. The homogeneous dispersion feature of the two components in binary xerogel contributes to effectively carbothermally reduce the O/Si atomic ratio, enhancing the electrochemical activity of the SiOx component The micron-sized SiOx/C spheres are composed of many near-spherical nanopartides. The synthesized SiOx/C exhibits a stable and high reversible capacity of 830 mA.h.g(-1) for 100 cydes, and excellent rate-capability. The homogeneous dispersion structure of phases, the micro/nanostructure and the high electrochemical activity of SiOx component combinedly contribute the excellent electrochemical performance. (C) 2019 The Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China, and Chemical Industry Press Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.