Abstract: The structures, electrochemical performance, reaction mechanisms and preparation methods of Sn-Co alloys and Sn-Co-C ternary composites for Li-ion batteries are summarized. According to the current literature, cycle performance of Sn-based materials could be improved by diversification by adding other elements; reducing the size of grains or changing into amorphous state. At present, the problem could not be solved successfully by a single approach. In order to satisfy the demands of cycle performance in commercialization, applying a comprehensive approach has become a development tendency.