An electro-co-deposited Sn-Co alloy electrode on a copper foil was prepared to study the structure and electrochemical properties. A micro-island structure of the active material was confirmed to be self-organized during the initial cycle, and such a structural change of the active material was compared with that of other Sn-based electrodes. A key to improve the cyclability in terms of the mechanical stability of the active material is discussed. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.