The presented technology is a newly developed sucrose supported synthesis of transition metal doped zinc oxide nanoparticles, which can be used as active material for the fabrication of high capacity anodes for lithium-ion batteries. The general formula of these materials is TMxZn(1-x)O (0.02 ≤ x ≤ 0.14), with the transition metal TM being, for instance, Fe or Co. The obtained nanoparticles show a homogenous particle size distribution between 20-30 nm. Anodes made of such material exhibit specific capacities exceeding 900 mAh/g,an enhanced cycling stability, as well as an improved high rate capability, particularly after applying a carbonaceous coating. The facile and cost efficient synthesis of the presented TMO nanoparticles appears to be easily up-scalable as all the reaction steps are performed under air and rather mild synthesis conditions. Furthermore, the drawback of evolving nitrogen containing gases, as it appears for a variety of others synthesis methods to obtain nanoparticles, is avoided. The additional carbon coating does not only significantly increase the conductivity of the active material, but moreover acts as a buffer for occurring volume changes upon the lithiation and delithiation of the active material. Additionally, the thus established percolating carbonaceous network supports the preservation of the electrode micro- and macrostructure, resulting in an advanced capacity retention of such electrodes.