Here we report our findings in synthesis and characterization of porous Co3O4 nanofibers coated with a surface-modification layer, reduced graphene oxide. The unique porous Co3O4@rGO architecture enables efficient stress relaxation and fast Li+ ions and electron transport during discharge/charge cycling. When tested in a half cell, the Co3O4@rGO electrodes display high Coulombic efficiency, enhanced cyclic stability, and high rate capability (similar to 900 mAhig at 1A/g, and similar to 600 mAh/g at SAN). The high capacity is contributed by a stable capacity yielded from reversible conversion reactions above 0.8 V vs. and a increasing capacity induced by the electrolyte decomposition and interfacial storage between 0.8 0.01V during discahrge. A full cell constructed from a Co3O4@rGO anode and a LiMn2O4 cathode delivers good capacity retention with operation voltage of 2.0 V. These performances are better than those of other full cells using alloy or metal oxide anodes. Our work is a preliminary attempt for practicality of high capacity metal oxide anodes in Li-ion batteries used for the electronic devices. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.