The electrochemical performance of a tin electrode synthesized on copper foil by electrodeposition in a pyrophosphate-based bath is examined by modifying its morphology via controlling the cathodic current density. As this current density increases, the morphology of the tin electrodeposit changes from a smooth and compact structure to a microscopically multi-layered structure with open spaces between adjacent layers. The porosity of the multi-layered tin electrode is more than 60% of its volume. The cycle performance and coulombic efficiency of the multi-layered tin electrode are higher than those of the smooth tin electrode, primarily due to the buffering effects of the open spaces between the layers against the volume expansion of the tin anode during cycling. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.