A multi-layered graphene oxide-carbon/Si-island thin film/graphene oxide-carbon electrode is prepared as a very promising anode material for rechargeable Li-ion batteries. In this approach, graphene oxide-carbon layers are introduced to improve the adhesion (between the Si-island and copper current collector) and conductivity. The Si-island (diameter: 700 mu m; array distance: 480 mu m) is sputtered using a metal shadow mask. The strain during the insertion and extraction of the Li ions is adequately suppressed by the space among the neighboring Si-islands. This results in a superior cycle retention of 86.3% with a reversible discharge capacity of 940 mAh g(-1) after 105 cycles.