An amorphous phosphorus/carbon nanocomposite demonstrates a reversible 3-Li storage capacity of 2355 mAh g(-1) with an excellent capacity retention of 90% over 100 cycles and a superior power capability with 62% of its capacity realizable at a very high rate of 8000 mA g(-1), possibly serving as a high capacity and high rate alternative anode for next-generation Li-ion batteries.