A Li-Zn alloy electrode prepared by a kinetically controlled vapor deposition (KCVD) is examined for use as the negative electrode for rechargeable lithium batteries. Results indicate that filamentary or dendritic growth of lithium on a Li-Zn alloy electrode prepared by the KCVD technique are dramatically suppressed due to fast diffusion of lithium in the alloy electrode, suggesting that the Li-Zn prepared by the KCVD method may be used effectively to improve the rechargeability of negative electrodes.