As a carbon alternative anode for Li-ion battery, we synthesized amorphous Ni-Sn alloy and crystalline Ni3Sn2 employing different methods that lead to different morphology based on the concept of "buffer matrix". The characteristics of the nickel-tin alloys were examined by XRD, SEM and DTA analysis. The electrochemical performance of the materials was investigated using a cell incorporated with a lithium metal counter electrode separated from the working electrode by a microporous polyethylene separator material (Celgard 2300) in the electrolyte of 1 M LiPF6 in EC + DMC + DEC. Among the different Sn-Ni alloys synthesized by different approaches, Ni3Sn2 is a promising anode material for high rate discharge and large size Li-ion battery because of its good electronic conductivity and excellent safety. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.