Sodium ion batteries (SIBs) have been considered as promising alternative to lithium ion batteries (LIBs) for large-scale energy storage. However, their inferior electrochemical performances, especially cyclability and rate capability become the major challenge for further development of SIBs. Herein, Sb/C composite prepared via an efficient and facile method with alginate as precursor has been evaluated as anode material for sodium ion batteries. This method shows unique role in formation of porous Sb/C composite, controlling the particle size and achieving excellent carbon coating. Such a composite demonstrates high specific capacity (423 mAh g(-1) at 0.1 A g(-1)), good rate capability (226 mAh g(-1) at 15 A g(-1)), and excellent cycle life (81.4% capacity retention for 200 cycles at 2 A g(-1)). The facile synthesis and superior electrochemical performance of the Sb/C composite render it a promising anode material for high-performance SIBs. Furthermore, our study shows a feasible and effective way to prepare transition metal (oxides) and porous carbon nanocomposite for SIBs. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.