The influence of the binder types on the electrochemical characteristics of the tin nanoparticle negative electrode for lithium secondary batteries has been investigated using cyclic voltammetry, charge–discharge test, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope. The results show that the initial capacity and the cyclic retention of the tin electrode using carboxymethyl cellulose as a binder are better than those of using polyvinylidene fluoride as a binder. Moreover, the cycle performance is further enhanced by the addition of acetylene black into the electrodes using the carboxymethyl cellulose binder. The good capacity retention in the subsequent cycles may be attributed to the formed branch-like structure on the surface of the tin nanoparticles during cycling.