Highly-uniform TiO2/SnO2 nanorod incorporated into conductive carbon matrix (sr-TSC) is synthesized by a facile unprecedented hydrothermal method. In the method, citric acid and ethylene glycol are introduced as carbon source and solvent. The sr-TSC electrode achieves a reversible capacity of 410 mAh g(-1) for up to 60 cycles at 300 mA g(-1) current density, and demonstrates an enhanced cyclic performance and excellent rate capability relative to SnO2 nanoparticles. The results indicate that the composite could be a promising anode candidate for lithium ion batteries. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.