To reduce irreversible capacity and improve cycle performance of tin used in lithium ion batteries, Sn–Ni alloy nanorod electrodes with different Sn/Ni ratios were prepared by an anodic aluminum oxide template-assisted electrodeposition method. The structural and electrochemical performance of the electrode were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, and galvanostatic charge–discharge cycling measurement. The results showed that the copper substrate is covered with uniformly distributed Sn–Ni alloy nanorods with an average diameter of 250 nm. Different phases (Sn, Ni3Sn4 and metastable phases) of alloy nanorod formed in the electrodeposition baths with different compositions of Sn2+ and Ni2+ ions. Sn–Ni alloy nanorod electrode delivered excellent capacity retention and rate performance.
