A series of nickel foam (NF)-based composites of MxOy/RGO/Ni(OH)(2) [MxOy = Co3O4, MnO2, and Ni(OH)(2)] with diverse multilayer nano-architectures were designed and grown in situ on NF through a one-pot hydrothermal process. Based on the redox reaction between the active NF substrate and graphene oxide (GO), along with electrostatic forces between the Mn+ ions and GO in the solution, strong interactions take place at the interfaces of MxOy/RGO, RGO/Ni(OH)(2), and Ni(OH)(2)/Ni, and thus, there is good contact for electron transfer. These MxOy/RGO/Ni(OH)(2) samples were directly used as conductive-agent- and binder-free anodes for lithium ion batteries (LIBs), and the Ni(OH)(2)/RGO/Ni(OH)(2)/NF composite electrode showed a high specific capacity, good rate capability, and excellent cycling stability, especially, it had a high reversible capacity of about 1330 mAh g(-1) even after 200 cycles at 100 mA g(-1). This general strategy presents a promising route for the design and synthesis of various multilayer nano-architectural transition metal oxides (hydroxide)/RGO composites on NF as energy storage materials. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.