A SnO2 anode material undergoes severe capacity loss, which is mainly associated with cracking/crumbling of the material by the large volume change between the LixSn and Sn phases, and the intensive reactions with the electrolyte solution. However, AlPO4 nanoparticle coating showed drastically improved electrochemical properties with decreased surface cracks. The AlPO4-coated SnO2 exhibited a capacity of 781 mAh/g, approaching its theoretical capacity at the first cycle, with 44% capacity retention after 15 cycles between 2.5 and 0 V at a relatively high Crate of 105 mA/g. In contrast, the bare SnO2 showed an initial capacity of 680 mAh/g, with only 8% capacity retention after 15 cycles. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.