The synthesis of Co3O4 nanostructures with controllable morphology through hydrothermal reaction was investigated. Through adjusting the reaction temperature, mesoporous nanowires (Co3O4-NWs) and mesoporous nanoflakes (Co3O4-NFs) can be directly grown on nickel foam at a reaction of temperature of 90 degrees C and 120 degrees C, respectively. Compared with Co3O4-NWs, Co3O4-NFs displays greatly improved performance of cyclic stability and rate capability. After 100 cycles, an outstanding reversible capacity of 1300 mAh g(-1) with negligible capacity fading is achieved at current density of 100 mA g(-1) for Co3O4-NFs. Furthermore, Co3O4-NFs exhibit excellent rate capability, with a reversible capacity up to 450 mAh g(-1) even at a current density as high as 8 A g(-1). Due to the directly growing aligned Co3O4 nanoflakes on conductive 3D nickel foam, the Co3O4-NFs electrode shows superior electrochemical performance, with potential as a promising anode candidate for lithium ion batteries. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.