Ternary metal vanadium oxides have been considered as potential anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the poor electronic conductivity and large volume expansion during the discharge/charge process lead to poor electrochemical performance. Herein, we firstly report the preparation of grass-like Zn3V3O8 nanobelts array coated 3D carbon fiber cloth (Zn3V3O8/CFC) as a binder-free anode for LIBs. The composites could effectively improve the kinetics of electronic transportation and mitigate the volume expansion of electrodes during discharge/charge process. As a result, the Zn3V3O8/CFC exhibits excellent Li+ storage properties. It can deliver a reversible capacity of similar to 1750 mA h g(-1) at a low current density of 100 mA g(-1) and a specific capacity of 942 mA h g(-1) at the high rate of 1.5 A g(-1). Even measured at high current density of 5 A g(-1), the electrode could maintain a high capacity of 455 mA h g(-1) after 500 cycles with a capacity retention of 82.7%. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.