In this work, ZnO-ZnFe2O4 composite hollow microspheres are synthesized firstly through a facile chemical liquid method combined with the subsequent calcination processing. After the tight decoration of three dimensional graphene sheets under the assistance of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide surfactant, the as-harvested graphene encapsulated ZnO-ZnFe2O4 composite hollow microspheres, as an anode for lithium ion batteries, deliver a relative high reversible capacity of 625 mA h g(-1) after discharged/charged 300 times at 100 mA g(-1) and a decent specific capacity of 461 mA h g(-1) even at a large current density of 1000 mA g(-1). The modification of three dimensional graphene sheets and the well-dispersed ZnFe2O4, as well as special hollow configuration are responsible for the outstanding electrochemical properties of ZnO-based composite microspheres. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.