A comparison of sputtered and mechanically milled Cu6Sn5Â +Â C materials for Li-ion battery negative electrodes

► Electrochemical cycling characteristics of nanostructured Sn-Cu-C are reported. ► The study provides a systematic comparison of sputtered and milled samples. ► Microstructural changes during cycling are investigated. ► Results help to understand cycling behavior of commercial Sn-based anodes. ► Provides insight into reactions in commercially viable CuSn-based materials.