A simple and versatile method for preparation of hollow cobalt furandicarboxylate microspheres is developed via a solvothermal approach, which are tested as a new high-capacity anode material for lithiumion batteries. It shows better cycling performance than non-hollow microspheres. A reversible capacity of 549.8 mA h g(-1), yielded after 95 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g(-1). While a reversible capacity of 513.4 mA h g(-1), was remained after 499 cycles at a current density of 1250 mA g(-1). Research on this topic mainly sheds some light on the discovery of new high energy density organic-inorganic hybrid materials prepared with a bio-based platform chemical. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.