Interconnected porous Co₃O₄ nanoflakes were prepared on nickel foam by a simple electrochemical deposition combined with a subsequent heat treatment. The featured nanoflakes consisted of interconnected primary nanoparticles and nanopores resulting in a large specific surface area. As an anode material of lithium ion batteries, the as-prepared samples exhibited superior cyclic performance and excellent rate capacity. The discharge capacity remained at 1211 mA h g⁻¹ after 100 cycles at a current density of 1 A g⁻¹. Notably, after cycling at various current densities up to 5 A g⁻¹, the capacity recovered to 1266 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹.