The mesoporous ZnxCo3-xO4 fibers with average diameter are of 389.3 nm and length up to 21.5 mu m are synthesized by a facile hydrothermal process combined with a subsequent thermal treatment. The results show that they are composed of interconnected nanocrystals that can provide a continuous charge transport pathway and very stable structure. In addition, the formed abundant penetrating mesopores can both shorten the ion diffusion length and provide high surface area contacted with electrolyte. When evaluated as anode material in lithium-ion batteries, it can deliver a capacity of 1132 mA h g(-1) at 100 mAg(-1) after 100 cycles. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.