The electrochemical performance as potential anodes in lithium-ion batteries of several boron-doped and non-doped graphitic foams with different degree of structural order was investigated by galvanostatic cycling. The boron-doped foams were prepared by the co-pyrolysis of a coal and two boron sources (boron oxide and a borane-pyridine complex), followed by heat treatment in the 2400-2800 degrees C temperature interval. The extent of the graphitization process of the carbon foams depends on boron concentration and source. Because of the catalytic effect of boron, lightweight graphite-like foams were prepared. Boron in the foams was found to be present as carbide (B4C), in substitutional positions in the carbon lattice (B-C), bonded to nitrogen (B-N) and forming clusters. Larger reversible lithium storage capacities with values up to similar to 310 mA h g(-1) were achieved by using the boron oxide-based carbon foams. Moreover, since the electrochemical anodic performance of these boron-doped foams with different degree of structural order is similar, the beneficial effect of the presence of the B-C boron phase was inferred. However, the bonding of boron with nitrogen in the pyridine borane-based has a negative effect on lithium intercalation. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.