A composite material which may be used as an electrode for a battery or other electrochemical device, or as a catalyst, has a matrix which is one or more metal carbide, metal nitride, metal boride, metal silicide or intermetallic compound. A metallic component is dispersed in the matrix. The metallic component comprises a metal and an agent which increases the melting point of the metal. The metallic component may be nanodispersed in the matrix. A specific material comprises a nanodispersion of tin, alloyed with an element which increases its melting point to at least 600° C., disposed in a matrix of a transition metal carbide or nitride. This material has very good utility as an anode material for lithium batteries. Also disclosed are other compositions as well as methods for manufacturing the compositions.