Novel nickel-cobalt oxides/carbon nanoflakes with Ni/Co molar ratio = 1:1 and 1:2 have been synthesized by a convenient hydrothermal method followed by a simple calcination process. X-ray diffraction results showed that the composites were composed of NiO, CO(3)O(4), and carbon. Scanning electron microscope measurements demonstrated that the composites were flakes less than 100 nm in thickness, and the corresponding energy dispersive spectroscopy mapping showed that the carbon was distributed homogeneously in the composites. The electrochemical results showed that the composite electrodes exhibited low initial coulombic efficiency and excellent charge-discharge cycling stability. Additionally, the effect of different Ni/Co molar ratios on the electrochemical properties of the composites was investigated, and better performance was obtained for the sample with a Ni/Co molar ratio of 1:2. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.