The nanocomposites Ce doped SnS2 (Ce-SnS2) have been synthesized by a hydrothermal route. The Ce-SnS2 composites exhibit 3D flowerlike structures. The particle sizes of each petal are in the range from 100 to 200 nm with clear lattice fringes. The electrode cycling performance and rate retention ability of Ce-SnS2 are better than those of SnS2 as anode electrodes materials for lithium ion batteries. The Ce-SnS2 compound (Ce of 5 mol%) shows the best reversible capacities and cycling performance among the synthesized Ce-SnS2 compounds. The reason is that the part of large-radius cerium ions (much larger than that of Sn4+) can be the substitutes for Sn4+ in the SnS2 lattice. The expansion of the crystal lattice can provide more lattice space for lithium intercalation and de-intercalation, and further improves the cycling performance of Ce-SnSz. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.