We demonstrate the fabrication of a Zn₂SnO₄ octahedron decorated with nanoplates via a facile surfactant-free hydrothermal method. A high initial discharge capacity of 1629.9 mA h g⁻¹ is obtained and the capacity is maintained at 642.2 mA h g⁻¹ after 20 cycles at the current density of 50 mA g⁻¹. The excellent electrochemical performance suggests that the electrode is a promising candidate for the next generation lithium ion batteries (LIBs).