Spherical NiO-C composite was prepared by dispersing spherical NiO in glucose solution and subsequent carbonization under hydrothermal conditions at 180 degrees C. The microstructure and morphology of the NiO-C and NiO powders were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrochemical properties of the electrodes were measured by galvanostatic charge-discharge tests, cyclic voltammetric analysis (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). SEM images showed that the amorphous carbon not only coated on the surface but also filled the inner pores of the NiO spheres. Electrochemical tests showed that the NiO-C composite exhibited higher initial coulombic efficiency (66.6%) than NiO (56.4%), and better cycling performances. The improvement of these properties is attributed to the carbon, as it can reduce the specific surface area of porous sphere, and enhance the conductivity of porous NiO. (c) 2007 Published by Elsevier Ltd.