A facile one-step method is developed for the direct growth of Ni3S2 nanoplates on a conductive nickel foam, which interwove together to form nest-like highly porous microstructure. When used as a binder-and conductive-agent-free electrode, the Ni3S2/Ni electrode demonstrates remarkable electrochemical performance with a superior cycling stability and a high rate capability, proving its potential applicability as a high performance anode for lithium ion batteries. The excellent electrochemical properties can be attributed to the 3-dimesional (3-D) structure of the Ni foam uniformly covered with a porous layer of Ni3S2 nanoplates. This structure provides excellent electrical contact between the active material and the current collector, a large electroactive surface area as well as well-sustained electrode integrity. The Ni3S2/Ni electrode maintains a reversible capacity of 623 mAh g(-1) after 150 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A g (-1), and delivers a high reversible capacity of 377 mAh g(-1) at a high current density of 1.5 A g(-1). The observed surplus capacity is found to originate from an interface storage process via a pseudocapacity-like storage mechanism. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.