This paper firstly reported a simple route to prepare SnO2 mesoporous spheres for lithium ion battery. Mesoporous SnO2 spheres in range of 100-300 nm were prepared by primary reaction at 353 K for 30 min, and calcination process at 773 K, which could be scaled up for manufacturing. The nano-size effect of the small particle and the 3D mesoporous structure promoted the electrolyte and lithium ion transfer and suppressed the volume changes, which greatly enhanced the cycle performances. As the anode material. it could deliver 761 mAh g(-1) capacity after 50 cycles at the current density of 200 mA g(-1). Even at 2 A g(-1), it retained 480 mAh g(-1) after 50 cycles. Furthermore, we suggested that the high stability of the structure was responsible for the improved cycle properties. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd.