Composite materials, obtained by depositing sub-micron size particles of SnCux and SnSbx on the surface of carbonaceous mesophase spherules (CMS), can endure the large volume effect of alloy host for lithium insertion and extraction. The alloy/C composites deliver large reversible capacities (430 mAh g(-1) for SnSbx/CMS, 390 mAh g(-1) for SnCux/CMS); the capacity retention at the 30th cycle is 90% for SnSbx/CMS and 95.2% for SnCux/CMS, respectively. They are promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.