SnO2 nanocrystals deposited on multiwalled carbon nanotubes with superior stability as anode material for Li-ion batteries

► We report a novel ethylene glycol-mediated solvothermal-polyol route for synthesis of SnO2-CNT nanocomposites as anode for Li-ion batteries. ► The nanocomposites consist of highly dispersed 3-5 nm SnO2 nanocrystals on the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs). ► The nanocomposites possess high rate capability and superior cycling stability with specific capacity of 500 mAh g−1 for up to 300 cycles. ► This strategy could be extended to synthesize other metal oxides-carbon nanocomposites.