Composite Li2SnO3/C with good cycle performance for lithium-ion batteries was synthesized by a hydrothermal route. The structure, morphology and electrochemical properties of the as-prepared materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and electrochemical measurements. Results show that the length of the Li2SnO3 nanorods are in the range of 40-60 nm while the average diameter is approximately 30 nm. Amorphous carbons are distributed among the Li2SnO3 nanoparticles. The first discharge-charge capacities of Li2SnO3/C are 2045.8 mAh g(-1) and 1756.6 mAh g(-1). After the 50th cycles, the capacity retained is 598.3 mAh g(-1) at a constant current density of 60 mA g(-1) in the voltage range of 0.05-2.0 V. The composite Li2SnO3/C exhibits a better electrochemical property than Li2SnO3. (C) 2012 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.