Monodisperse and small tin nanoparticles were prepared from a 2,2'-bipyridine-tin(+2) chloride complex using sodium borohydride as reducing agent. When the synthesis was conducted in the presence of graphite, Sn particles with an average diameter of ca. 29 nm well-dispersed at the surface of graphite were obtained. Electrochemical lithium insertion was carried out in these materials. A stable reversible capacity of ca. 480 mA h g(-1), value 37% higher than that of pure graphite, was found. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.