Nanostructured nickel ferrite doped with cobalt is synthesized by co-precipitation method. The sample is characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infra Red and Transmission Electron Microscope. Specific surface area and porosity analysis are performed through Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms. The magnetic properties are also studied. Spinel cubic structure with nanopartides and porous surface is confirmed. The electrochemical properties of the nanostructured spinet are investigated including the cycling performance as anode material for lithium ion batteries. The results show that the sample has a high discharge capacity, especially the first five cycles, at current density of 2.43 mA/cm(2) compared to recent performances reported at low current density (0.2 mA/cm(2)) for pure and composite of nanonickel ferrite. All results and data are correlated and discussed. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.