A high performance binder-free SiOx/C composite electrode was synthesized by mixing SiOx particles and Kraft lignin in a cryo-mill followed by heat treatment at 600 degrees C. After the heat treatment, lignin formed a conductive matrix hosting SiOx particles, ensuring electronic conductivity, connectivity, and accommodation of volume changes during lithiation/delithiation. As the result, no conventional binder or conductive agent was necessary. When electrochemically cycled, the composite electrode delivered excellent performance, maintaining similar to 900 mAh g(-1) after 250 cycles at a rate of 200 mA g(-1), and good rate capability. The robustness of the electrode was also examined by post-cycling SEM images, where few cracks were observed. The excellent electrochemical performance can be attributed to the comparatively small volume change of SiOx-based electrodes (160%) and the flexibility of the lignin derived carbon matrix to accommodate the volume change. This work should stimulate further interests in using biorenewable resources in making advanced electrochemical energy storage systems. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.