With the speedy development of high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), safety issues associated with LIBs are in major demand. Exploring new electrodes is the most efficient method to improving the energy density of LIBs, various materials is proposed, but the safety issue is generally ignored. Herein, a composite Sb@C/FG comprising antimony (Sb), pitch carbon, and flake graphite (FG) has been developed, which exhibiting improved electrochemical performance and enhanced safety properties for LIBs. The carbon coating could provide an electronic network between Sb nanoparticles and FG, and boost Li+ diffusion. As a result, the Sb@C/FG demonstrates a high reversible capacity of 473 mAh g−1, excellent durability (delivers reversible capacity of 497 mAh g−1 at after 1000 cycles), a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.7 %, and a relatively low average delithiation potential of 0.14 V. Besides, the Sb@C/FG electrode exhibits synergistic flame retardancy with PVDF binder. Compared with FG, the Sb@C/FG electrode exhibits a decreased and delayed peak heat release rate (HRR), and the total heat release (THR) has been significantly reduced from 6769.4 W g−1 to 1964.9 W g−1, therefore improving flame retardancy in case of thermal runaway of LIBs. Differing from the conventional safety strategies, the Sb@C/FG electrode not only improves the fireproof property of LIBs, but also enhances the energy density of the anode.