Objective To prepare the nanomaterials with high specific capacity and stable cyclic performance as Li-ion battery anode. Methods The SnO2-SnS2 / GNS composites were prepared by an L-cys-assisted hydrothermal method and characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM and HRTEM. The electrochemical performances of the composites for reversible lithium storage were measured by cyclic voltammogram, galvanostatic charge / discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Results With the increasing amount of L-cys in the hydrothermal solution, the content of SnS2 in the low-rise structure of the composite material also increased. The SnS2 / graphene nanocomposite could be prepared when the molar ratio of Sn4+ / L-cys was 1 : 4. The presence of graphene inhibited the growth of SnS2 along the c-axis direction to some extent, and reduced the layer number of the layered SnS2 . Conclusion Because the two-dimensional layered SnS2 had similar morphology and microstructure to graphene, the compositing of the layered SnS2 with graphene exhibited better synergetic effects. Therefore, the SnS2 / graphene nanocomposite showed a high reversible specific capacity with stable cyclic performance and enhanced rate capability.