Fe3O4 octahedra embedded in conductive nanoporous copper (NPC) network are straightforwardly fabricated by means of alloy refining followed by facile electroless dealloying in mild condition. During selectively dissolving the Al from FeCuAl alloy, the residual Cu atoms assemble to form spcinge-like nanostructure, meanwhile the Fe atoms undergo spontaneous oxidation and aggregation to grow into Fe3O4 octahedra travelled through NPC network. Owing to the combination of conductive NPC network, Fe3O4 octahedra exhibit dramatically enhanced lithium storage performances with excellent reversible capacity, enhanced rate performance, as well outstanding cyclability compared with pure Fe3O4 octahedra. Especially, Fe304/Cu nanocomposite shows superior cycling stability with the excellent reversible capacity of 664.0 and 512.6 mA h g(-1), retained over 500 cycles at the current densities of 300 and 1000 mA respectively. Moreover, it shows good rate capability even when cycled at 1000 mA With the advantages of exceptional performances and facile preparation, the as-made Fe3O4/Cu nanocomposite shows prospective application potential as an advanced anode material in lithium ion batteries. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.