Composite materials, obtained by depositing sub-micron size particles of SnCu x and SnSb x 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 (430mAhg−1 for SnSb x /CMS, 390mAhg−1 for SnCu x /CMS); the capacity retention at the 30th cycle is 90% for SnSb x /CMS and 95.2% for SnCu x /CMS, respectively. They are promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.