Nanostructured Si/Sn-Ni/C composite as negative electrode for Li-ion batteries

► Si/Sn-Ni/C nanostructured composite is synthesized by ball milling. ► The composite is formed by Si nanoparticles embedded on a multi-element matrix. ► It exhibits a capacity of 920 mAh g−1 with good stability for 280 cycles. ► Si/Sn-Ni/C is a competitive anode material for lithium ion batteries.