Carbon coated flower like Bi2S3 on nickel foam are simply fabricated by a solvothermal synthesis method accompanying with glucose as a precursor of subsequent carbonization. The architectures are directly used as electrodes for electrochemical hydrogen and Li-ion storage. Such architectures display high electrochemical hydrogen storage and the discharging capacity of 165 mAh g (1) is obtained. When used as anode material, the binder free Bi2S3@C/Ni electrode delivers superior cycling stability and rate capability. Discharge capacity reaches as high as 698 mAh g(-1) after 50 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g (1). Even at 1000 mA g (1), the capacity still remains at 510 mAh g (1) after 40 cycles. The superior performance can be ascribed to the unique electrode. The porous electrode gives more reaction sites and accommodates volume change during cycling; while the carbon shell improves electronic conductivity and suppresses particle aggregation. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.