Anode materials that undergo alloying and conversion type electrochemical reactions are studied as alternative electrodes to graphite and hard carbon with the promise of higher capacities, and potentially higher energy densities. Little studied however are lead (Pb) and lead oxides (PbO, Pb3O4) that have advantages of low cost and high volumetric energy density [1]. In fact when the Argonne BatPaC model is used with Pb as anode, and layered sodium transition metal oxide cathode are coupled together the energy density for a sodium-ion pouch cell design is 549 Wh/L, and the cost is projected quite low at 63.5 USD/kWh [2]. These metrics are certainly competitive with many grid storage battery systems. However, lead toxicity is a concern. But Pb has always been one of the most recycled materials in the world, with a high recycling rate close to 99 % in the United States [3]. Certainly, with the rapid in-line progress of lithium- and sodium-ion battery recycling technologies, lead-based materials could become a viable contender for high-energy, low-cost anodes in the future if the performance can be improved and validated. In this presentation, we report novel Pb-O-C nanocomposite anodes synthesized by simple high energy ball milling process. The electrochemical test data from lithium and sodium cells show higher reversible capacity and improved cycle stability when compared to previously reported data of lead and lead oxides materials.[4-5] The reaction mechanism and effect of nanocomposite structure with improved performance will be discussed. [1] M.N. Obrovac and V.L. Chevrier, Chem. Rev., 2014, 114, 11444-11502. [2] P. Nelson, K. Gallagher, I. Bloom, Dennis Dees, and Shabbir Ahmed, BatPaC, Argonne National Laboratory. (n.d.). http://www.cse.anl.gov/batpac. [3] L. Gaines, Sustainable Materials and Technologies, 2014, 1-2, 2-7. [4] M. Martos, J. Morales and L. J. E. A. Sanchez, Electrochimica Acta, 2003, 48, 615-621. [5] L. D. Ellis, B. N. Wilkes, T. D. Hatchard and M. N. Obrovac, Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 2014, 161, A416-A421.