High performance of lithium ion batteries (LIBs) relies largely on scrupulous design of bespoke active materials. Herein, we report a facile controllable electrospinning method for preparation of Co3O4 nanotubes with diameters of 200–300nm. The obtained Co3O4 nanotubes are composed of interconnected nanoparticles of 20–40nm and show polycrystalline feature. As anode materials for LIBs, the resultant Co3O4 nanotubes show higher specific capacity and better cycle stability (856.4mAhg−1 at 0.25 C and 677.2mAhg−1 at 1 C up to 60 cycles), as well as enhanced rate capability as compared to Co3O4 nanowire counterparts (805.1mAhg−1 at 0.25C and 587.9mAhg−1 at 1 C). The performance enhancement mainly comes from the multiple advantages of nanotube configuration, such as higher surface areas, faster transportation path for ion/electron. It is expected that the as-prepared Co3O4 nanotubes are also promising active material for supercapacitors, chemical sensors and electrocatalysis.