ZnO@C nanospheres with an average diameter of 200nm have been synthesized using zinc (Zn) and acetylacetone as raw materials through a one-step co-pyrolysis method. The electrochemical properties of the ZnO@C nanospheres as an anode material are examined. The ZnO@C nanospheres give a reversible capacity of 440mAhg −1 at a current density of 100mAg −1 after 50 cycles. The improved electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the carbon shells, which not only serve as good electronic conductors but also act as good protective layers (preventing the pulverization) during lithiation/delithiation process. In addition, after removing of the internal ZnO in HCl solution, hollow carbon nanospheres can be obtained.