A tin dioxide/carbon composite (SnO2@C) with controlled shape is fabricated using a two-step method, which includes preparation of SnC2O4 precursors and subsequent heat treatment process. SnC2O4 precursors with different morphologies are synthesized by controlling the different proportions of tin sources, and some characterization techniques are carried out to screen out the optimum precursors. And the precursors are further annealed to obtain nanostructured SnO2 and coated with carbon film. Ultimately, shape-controlled SnO2@C anode materials are prepared, and the reaction process and electrochemical properties of SnO2@C composites as anode materials are further studied. The SnO2@C composite shows the capacity of 659.4 mAh g(-1) after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g(-1). Even at the rate of 2000 mA g(-1), the composite electrode can maintain a reversible capacity of 507.2 mAh g(-1). The excellent electrochemical performance is beneficial to the synergistic effect between the carbon coating film and the nanostructured SnO2, which provides sufficient lithium storage sites, good electronic conductivity and void space to relieve the volume expansion.