The Cu-Sn alloy compounds have low volume expansion but suffer from poor cycling performance as anode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). In order to improve the electrochemical performance, the pomegranate-like porous carbon coated CuxSny/Sn/SnO2 submicrospheres assembled by nanopartides (abbreviated as pomegranate-like CuxSny/Sn/SnO2/C submicrospheres) Were facilely prepared by in situ polymerization of dopamine (DA) on the surface of CuSn(OH)(6) submicrospheres, followed by carbonization and reduction in H-2/Ar atmosphere. Based on the advantages of nanometer-sized particle, porous structure and amorphous carbon coated, the as-prepared pomegranate-like Cu Sny/Sn/SnO2/C submicrospheres behaved excellent cycling and rate performance as anode materials for LIBs. At the current density of 200 mA g(-1), the electrode materials could keep a capacity of 604 rnAh g(-1) after 150 cycles. Importantly, pomegranate-like CuxSny/Sn/SnO2 submicrospheres could maintain the initial structure after 150 cycles. Relied on the excellent electrochemical performance, the pomegranate-like Cu Sny/Sn/SnO2/C submicrospheres were expected to become a promising anode material for LIBs. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.