FeSi4P4 has been synthesized by a facile ball-milling method and evaluated as anode in sodium ion battery for the first time. The FeSi4P4 electrode can deliver a reversible capacity of 180 mAh g (1) at 100 mA g (1) with a capacity retention of 99% after 100 cycles. Experimental data and DFT calculation reveal that the sodium storage in FeSi4P4 is realized via the unusual insertion/extraction reaction. Our results demonstrate that transition metal phosphosilicides could be potential anode materials for sodium ion batteries. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.