Amorphous and crystalline Zn2GeO4 nanoparticles were prepared and characterized as anode materials for Li-ion batteries. A higher reversible specific capacity of 1250mAh/g after 500 cycles and excellent rate capability were obtained for amorphous Zn2GeO4 nanoparticles, compared to that of crystalline Zn2GeO4 nanoparticles. Small particle size, amorphous phase and incorporation of zinc and oxygen contribute synergetically to the improved performance by effectively mitigating the huge volume variations during lithiation and delithiation process.