High performance of lithium ion batteries (LIBs) relies largely on scrupulous design of bespoke active materials. Herein, we report a facile controllable electrospinning method for preparation of Co3O4 nanotubes with diameters of 200-300 nm. The obtained Co3O4 nanotubes are composed of interconnected nanoparticles of 20-40nm and show polycrystalline feature. As anode materials for LIBs, the resultant Co3O4 nanotubes show higher specific capacity and better cycle stability (856.4mAhg (1) at 0.25 C and 677.2mAhg (1) at 1 C up to 60 cycles), as well as enhanced rate capability as compared to Co3O4 nanowire counterparts (805.1mAhg (1) at 0.25 C and 587.9mAhg (1) at 1 C). The performance enhancement mainly comes from the multiple advantages of nanotube configuration, such as higher surface areas, faster transportation path for ion/electron. It is expected that the as-prepared Co3O4 nanotubes are also promising active material for supercapacitors, chemical sensors and electrocatalysis. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.