The electrochemical characteristics of pitch coated graphite / silicon composites were investigated as anode material in lithium ion batteries. The anode materials were prepared with etched graphite using nickel chloride hexahydrate. Spherical pores were formed on the graphite surface, while the pore size could be controlled based on the calcination retention time during the process of nickel formation. Silicon was inserted into the pores of porous graphite formed via nickel etching, and after the final step of petroleum pitch coating, pitch coated graphite / silicon composites were prepared. Scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis were used to analyze the physical properties of pitch coated graphite / silicon composites. The electrochemical characteristics of the batteries were investigated by charge-discharge cycle, rate performance, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests in the electrolyte of 1.0 M LiPF₆ ( EC : DMC : DEC=1:1:1 vol% ). Pitch coated graphite / silicon electrode showed better electrochemical properties than the graphite electrode, and even nickel etched graphite was superior to graphite. Also it was confirmed that both capacity and rate performance were significantly improved when the ratio of graphite, silicon, and pitch is 8 : 1 : 1 ( G₈Si₁P₁ ). It is found that G₈Si₁P₁ have the initial discharge capacity of 680 mAh/g, the capacity retention ratio of 90% during 100 cycles and the retention rate capability of 91% in 2C / 0.1C, 87% in 5C / 0.1C. This is the result showing the best electrochemical properties among the prepared anode materials. Therefore, it was confirmed that the pitch coated graphite / silicon composite could be used as an anode material for a high performance lithium ion battery.