Ni3Sn4 intermetallic electrodes prepared into a revolutionary nanostructure. obtained by electrodeposition on a nanoarchitectured Cu substrate, are described. This structure controls the volume stress that accompanies the electrochemical process yielding a performance rarely observed with lithium metal storage electrodes. The new electrode shows impressive electrochemical behavior and cycles in lithium cells for more than 200 cycles (figure shows electrode after cycling) with a stable high capacity.