Herein, binder-free Co3O4@NiCoAl-layered double hydroxide (Co3O4@LDH) core-shell hybrid architectural nanowire arrays were prepared via a two-step hydrothermal synthesis route. LDH nanosheets possessing a large electroactive surface area uniformly dispersed on the surface of Co3O4 nanowires were successfully fabricated allowing for fast electron transport that enhances the electrochemical performance of LDH nanosheets. Co3O4@LDH nanowire arrays of 2 to 1.5 molar ratio (Co3O4:LDH) exhibit high specific capacitance (1104 F g(-1) at 1 A g(-1)), adequate rate capability and cycling stability (87.3% after 5000 cycles), attributed to the synergistic effect between the robust Co3O4 nanowire arrays and LDH nanosheets. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.