Mesoporous CoNiO2 microflowers assembled with single-crystal nanosheets were successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method and subsequent annealing process and their lithium storage capacity were investigated. The structural and compositional analysis of the mesoporous CoNiO2 microflowers has been studied by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The Bruauer–Emmett–Teller specific surface area of CoNiO2 microflowers has been calculated by the nitrogen isotherm curve and pore size distribution has been determined by the Barret–Joyner–Halenda method. It has been found that the as-prepared CoNiO2 electrodes delivered satisfied capacity, good cycling stability and rate capability. The improved electrochemical performance is attributed to the mesoporous nature and the 3D assembled structure. Therefore, such a structure can be considered to be an attractive candidate as an electrode material for lithium-ion batteries.