We demonstrate a facile, single step, low temperature and energy efficient strategy for the synthesis of SnO2-reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanocomposite where the crystallization of SnO2 nanoparticles and the reduction of graphene oxide takes place simultaneously by an in situ chemical reduction process. The electrochemical property of the SnO2-RGO composite prepared by using low concentrations of reducing agent shows better Li storage performance, good rate capability (378 mAh g(-1) at 3200 mA g(-1)) and stable capacitance (522 mAh g(-1) after 50 cycles). Increasing the reductant concentration lead to crystallization of high concentration of SnO2 nanoparticle aggregation and degrade the Li ion storage property. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.