Ultra-fine, porous, tin oxide-carbon (SnO2/C) nanocomposites are fabricated by a molten salt method at 300 degrees C, and malic acid is decomposed as the carbon source. In situ synthesis is favourable for the combination of carbon and SnO2. The structure and morphology are confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis, specific surface-area measurements, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Examination of TEM images reveals that the SnO2 nanoparticles are embedded in the carbon matrix, with sizes between 2 and 5 nm. The electrochemical measurements show that the nanocomposite delivers a high capacity with good capacity retention as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries, due to the combination of the ultra-fine porous structure and the carbon component. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.