 The development and commercialization of lithium ion batteries is rooted in material discovery. Promising new materials with high energy density are required for achieving the goal toward alternative forms of transportation. Over the past decade, significant progress and effort has been made in developing the new generation of Li-ion battery materials. In the review, I will focus on the recent advance of tin and silicon-based anode materials. Additionally, new polyoxy-ion cathodes, such as phosphates and silicates as cathode materials, will also be discussed. This article was authored by Jijun Chen.