A three-dimensional cellular Sn-based anode has been prepared by electrodepositing tin onto 3D copper matrix under different current conditions and characterized by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), electrochemical cycling test. The properties of tin layer, such as particle size, porosity and shape, greatly affect cycling behavior of electrodes. Beside this, two additional factors including large bonding force and three-dimensional stress-alleviated environment are also important to the dimensional stability of electrodeposited layer. In order to improve cycling performance, a composite anode configuration is designed by casting inactive carbon black into the "valley-ridge" tin-coated architecture. Capacity fading of both anodes is remarkably suppressed with the help of mechanical compression coming from stuffing. Taking advantage of the 3D electrode configuration, CTA with stuffing experiences a more uniform diffusion process to form an intermetallic layer of CU6Sn5 when heated and shows better cyclicity than 2D annealed anode. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.