A Si–Zn–C composite material is prepared by mechanical ball-milling and investigated as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Electrochemical tests show that the first charge and discharge capacities are approximately 852 and 607mAhg−1, respectively, and that 91% of the initial discharge capacity of 607mAhg−1 can be maintained for up to 40 cycles. This improved cycling performance is attributed to the use of the third element Zn. Li2ZnSi is partially formed at the interface between Si and Zn and graphite to provide superior cycling performance compared with that of the binary system.