A Sn-Cu-CNTs composite anode with a CNTs-Cu transition layer has been successfully synthesized via an electrodeposition method. Different temperatures have been employed to heat-treat Sn-Cu-CNTs composites. After heat-treating at 200 C for 6 h, strong adherence is achieved between the Cu 6 Sn 5 -Cu 3 Sn-CNTs active material and the current collector. Good cycling performance (513.3 mA h g À1 after 100 cycles at 1 C) and superior rate capability (as high as 16 C) can be obtained due to the insertion of evenly distributed CNTs in the composite anode materials.