Zn3V2O8 (ZVO) with sheet-like morphology is synthesized by a simple green precipitation technique via a metal-organic framework (MOF) intermediate for use as an anode in high energy lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This sheet-like morphology, enriched with highly porous features, is evident from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and surface area measurements. When tested as a lithium half-cell electrode, the ZVO porous sheets delivered a reversible specific capacity of 1228 mA h g (1) at a current density of 0.3 A g (1) for 200 cycles. Interestingly, on applying two different high current densities of 1 and 3 A g (1), this porous ZVO material registered high capacities of 665 and 510 mA h g (1), initially for 30 and 50 cycles, respectively. On reducing the current density to 0.5 and 1 A g (1) for the two instances, both sustained stable capacities of 906 and 687 mA h g (1) in the 160th and 600th cycles, respectively. The fact that these porous sheets maintained a stable capacity as high as 370 mA h g (1) at the high applied current density of 5 A g (1) after 2000 discharge/charge cycles reveals the structural stability of the ZVO prepared by a simple green precipitation technique. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.