Applications of energy storage in transportation and grid scale call for next generation of batteries with high energy, high power, long cycle life, good safety and low cost. In this talk, I will show how we design rationally materials at the nanoscale for next generation of battery anodes. Examples include 1) high capacity nanostructured Si anodes with stable SEI formation; 2) interfacial materials design and additive effects for lithium metal; 3) red and black phosphorus for lithium and sodium ion storage.