3D-transition binary metal oxides have been considered as promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries with improved reversible capacity, structural stability and electronic conductivity compared with single metal oxides. Here, carbon nanotube supported NiCo2O4 nanoparticles (NiCo2O4/CNT) with 3D hierarchical hollow structure are fabricated via a simple one-pot method. The NiCo2O4 nanoparticles with interconnected pores are consists of small nanocrystals. When used as anode material for the lithium-ion battery, NiCo2O4/CNT exhibits enhanced electrochemical performance than that of Co3O4/CNT and NiO/CNT. Moreover, ultra-high discharge/charge stability was obtained for 4000 cycles at a current density of 5 A g(-1). The superior battery performance of NiCo2O4 nanoparticles is probably attributed to the special structural features and physical characteristics, including integrity, hollow structure with interconnected pores, which providing sufficient accommodation for the volume change during charge/discharge process. Besides, the consisting of ultra-small crystals enhanced the utility of active material, and intimate interaction with CNTs improved the electron-transfer rate. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.