The Pechini process [Ceram. Bull. 68 (1989) 1002] is used to obtain fine tin oxide powders that reduce the specific volume change in Li+ insertion and extraction reactions. The suitability of these tin oxides as active materials for negative electrodes in lithium-ion batteries is investigated. From elemental analysis, it is found that the templating polymer network is almost completely obliterated after heating at 500°C. The best tin oxide does not exhibit extensive crystallization of tin atoms even after 30 cycles of alloying and de-alloying reactions with Li. The structure and the specific capacity of the oxides are dependent on the heat treatment and remnants of the polymeric CH network can impose an unfavorable outcome. A capacity of 600mAhg−1, which is unchanged for 30 cycles, can be obtained from tin oxide heat treated at 1000°C. Composites of graphite and SnO2 are also prepared and exhibit synergistic interactions between graphite and tin oxide which are similar to those reported previously [Electrochem. Solid State Lett. 3 (2000) 167].