Development of high-capacity anode materials equipped with strong cyclestability is a great challenge for use as practical electrode for high-performance lithium-ion rechargeable battery. In this study, we synthesized a carbon coated Zn-Sn metal nanocomposite oxide and carbon spheres (ZTO@C/CSs) via a simple glucose hydrothermal reaction and subsequent carbonization approach. The carbon coated ZTO/carbon microspheres composite maintained a reversible capacity of 680 mAh g(-1) after 345 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g(-1), and furthermore the cell based on the composite exhibited an excellent rate capability of 470 mAh g(-1) even when the cell was cycled at 2000 mA g(-1). The thick carbon layer formed on the ZTO nanoparticles and carbon spheres effectively buffered the volumetric change of the particles, which thus prolonged the cycling performance of the electrodes. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.