Nest-like Si nanospheres and their highly reversible lithium storage (3952 mAh g(-1) at 100 mA g(-1)) and excellent high-rate capability (3052 mAh g(-1) at 2000 mA C) are reported (see figure). This result suggests that the as-prepared nest-like Si nanospheres are promising candidates as the anode materials of rechargeable Li-ion batteries.