Electrodeposition as a superior route was developed for the synthesis of three-dimensional (3D) Sn-based binary and ternary alloy dendritic nanostructures. The prepared Sn-Cu, Sn-Ni, and Sn-Cu-Ni alloy nanodendrites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). These synthesized Sn-based composites combine the merits of alloys and dendritic nanostructures. In addition, the Sn-based binary and ternary alloy dendritic nanostructures as electrodes will show the following additional advantages: (i) the porous structures in nanodendrites can shorten the ion diffusion length and accelerate the diffusion of ions, (ii) the interconnected nanoparticles in nanodendrites can facilitate electron transportation, (iii) the large surface area can provide the abundant reaction sites for electrochemical devices. Moreover, the proposed synthesis method provides a powerful strategy to produce the Sn-based alloy nanodendrites with excellent electrical contact to a substrate, which is critical for further battery testing. (C) 2012 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI:10.1149/2.070212jes] All rights reserved.