Embedding metal oxide nanoparticles with high theoretical capacity into graphene-based substrate in a control-lable manner is a promising strategy to explore high-performance electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries. In this work, a facile and eco-friendly in situ etching route is developed to prepare ZnO nanoparticles embedded holey reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite with a well-controlled structure. The formation mechanism of ZnO nanoparticles and in situ etched holes are proposed and discussed. The nanocomposite exhibits excellent rate capability, high specific capacity as well as long cycling stability. It is found that the synergetic effects between etching-engineered optimal holes in rGO sheets and embedded ZnO nanoparticles around the holes are responsible for the superior electrochemical properties. This work offers a facile etching strategy to prepare the nanocomposite of metal oxide nanoparticles embedded holey graphene-based supports, and demonstrates a promising electrode architecture to construct high-performance anode for lithium-ion batteries. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.