Hollow sphere geometry is compared with the corresponding nonhollow one in terms of its electrochemical benefits. Lithiation of Fe3O4 and its backward reaction is chosen as a case study process. Dimension of the hollow structure is carefully controlled to have the same mass per a single particle as that of its nonhollow counterpart. The comparison shows the possibility that the faradaic performances of hollow geometry could be better than those of the nonhollow in terms of volumetric as well as gravimetric capacities, even if the hollow has void in its centre. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.