Several carbon/tin oxide (C/SnO2) composite anode materials are prepared through a novel and simple solution route. Powder x-ray diffraction and energy dispersive analysis of x-ray measurements confirm that the nanosized SnO2 particles are homogeneously dispersed in the carbon matrix. Both the content of SnO2 and the carbonization temperature play an important role on the electrochemical performance of the C/SnO2 composites. The C/SnO2 anode material with 47% SnO2, carbonized at 600 degrees C, has the optimal electrochemical performance. This material exhibits an initial charge capacity of 643 mAh g(-1) and an average reversible capacity of 518 mAh g(-1) during 50 cycles at a current density of 50 mA g(-1). (C) 2011 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI:10.1149/1.3532032] All rights reserved.