Self-supported core/shell nanowire arrays are highly desirable for designing high-performance electrochemical energy storage devices. Herein, we report self-supported ternary core/shell nanowire arrays of Co3O4/NiO/C on the nickel foam with the help of hydrothermal synthesis, chemical bath deposition and annealing carbonation methods. As an anode material for lithium ion batteries, the Co3O4/NiO/C core/ shell nanowire arrays exhibit excellent electrochemical performances with lower polarization, higher capacity, improved cycle life and better high-rate capability than the pure Co3O4 nanowire arrays and single NiO nanoflake arrays. The enhanced electrochemical properties are mainly ascribed to the core/ shell nanowire architecture with potential synergistic contribution such as improved mechanical stability and enhanced conductivity as well as faster ion/electron transfer. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.