A highly porous three-dimensional Ni-Sn alloy foam is fabricated by electro-deposition accompanied by hydrogen evolution reaction. This foam can evolve into porous and dendritic metal alloy structures. These Sn-based electrodes have been evaluated for use as anodes in lithium-ion batteries. Dendritic Ni50Sn50 alloy foam exhibits high electrochemical capacity and excellent cycle stability during charge -discharge processes. The nickel in a Ni-Sn alloy does not break off during the volume expansion/contraction sequence in battery operation cycles and supports the Sn remaining on the anodes. The voids in the tube-like porous Ni-Sn morphology enhance the mass transfer of Li+ ions and act as mechanical bumpers during the charge discharge processes. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.