SiOx/C composite material derived directly from agricultural rice husk byproducts through an economically viable and environmentally benign approach has been explored to be used as an anode for rechargeable lithium batteries. Rice husks were converted into a SiOx/C composite directly by heat treatment under argon/hydrogen atmosphere, at a temperature of 900 degrees C. The composite contains SiOx surrounded by an amorphous carbon matrix. A steady state reversible capacity of nearly 600 mAh g (1) was delivered at 100 mA g (1) current density after 100 cycles. The improved performance of the SiOx/C composite anode over other agricultural byproduct derived carbon materials is believed to be due to the presence of low valence silicon. The filth-to-wealth conversion of rice husks to battery material is a highly energy efficient process with great economic and environmental benefits. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.