Phosphorous-rich phase iron diphosphide/carbon tube (FeP2/C) nanohybrids, which are synthesized via a pyrolysis process and composed of heterostructures of orthorhombic FeP2 with conical carbon tubes, have been identified as a new anode in lithium-ion batteries. After an annealing treatment to eliminate the excessive hydrogen elements in the carbon tubes, the FeP2/C nanohybrids display good reversible capacity, long cycle life, and excellent rate capability. Specifically, the annealed hybrids exhibit a discharge capacity of 602mAhg−1 on the second cycle and a discharge capacity of 435mAhg−1 after 100 cycles at 0.1C (0.137Ag−1). Meanwhile, these annealed hybrids exhibit excellent rate capability, such as a reversible capability of 510mAhg−1, 440mAhg−1, 380mAhg−1, 330mAhg−1 and 240mAhg−1 at 0.25C, 0.5C, 1C, 2.5C and 5C, respectively.