Mn3O4/Fe3O4 nanoflowers with controllable components are simply fabricated through one step etching of the Mn5Fe5Al90 ternary alloy. The as-made hierarchical flower-like structure with interconnected voids consists of a packed array of uniform regular hexagon-like nanoslices. Based on the simple dealloying strategy the target metals are directly converted to uniform nanocomposite composed of Mn3O4 and Fe3O4 species. With the unique hierarchical flower-like structure and the synergistic effects between Mn3O4 and Fe3O4, the nanocomposite exhibits higher performance as anode material for lithium ion batteries than that of pure Mn3O4 and Fe3O4 anodes. The Mn3O4/Fe3O4 nanocomposite deliver much higher discharge capacity and lower initial irreversible loss than Mn3O4 anode. The Mn3O4/Fe3O4 anode material also shows an excellent cycling stability at the high rate of 1500 mAg(-1) with outstanding rate capability. With the advantages of simple preparation and excellent electrochemical performance, Mn3O4/Fe3O4 nanoflowers manifest great application potential as anode material for lithium ion batteries. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.