We present a simple polymer-pyrolysis assisted method to prepare vanadium trioxide and carbon nanocomposites as an advanced anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The as-prepared material deliver a superior battery performance with highly retained capacity of similar to 780 mAh g(-1) over 100 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g(-1) showing excellent cyclic stability, and good rate capability. The improved electrochemical performance of vanadium trioxide and carbon nanocomposites electrode makes it promising as a suitable anode material for practical battery applications. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.