Herein, multifunctional Co3O4 nanotubes (Co3O4-T) are successfully constructed via a low-cost and template-free route, which show a tubular structure with mesoporous and hollow interior. The as-prepared Co3O4-T exhibit superior cycling performances, rate capabilities and strong cycling stability when used as the electrode materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs). The Co3O4-T electrode delivers a high specific capacity of similar to 1081 mAh g(-1) at a current density of 100 mAh g(-1) after 50 cycles in LIBs. Besides, it also shows a high initial discharge capacity of 1049.3 mAh g-1 and low overpotential of 154 mV at 0.2 C in LSBs. These excellent electrochemical performances of Co3O4-T electrode are attributed to the unique tubular structure with small-sized mesoporous, which facilitates Li+ diffusion and enhances structural robustness.