SnO2/CoSn composites have been prepared by hydrolysis accompanied by carbothermal reduction. With the addition of cobalt, SnO2/CoSn nanoparticles self-assemble to form nano-micro-structure cluster even microparticles. The nano-micro-structure cluster not only shortens lithium-ion diffusion and electron transportation route, but also cohere together to form compact defense. This preserves the integrity of the structure and the capacity from fading during cycling. It exhibits the improved charge capacity of 627.3 mA h/g in the first cycle and 421.9 mA h/g after 50 cycles at 100 mA/g. It paves the way for practical applications of tin-based anodes. (C) 2014 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.