Display omitted •Hybrid of 3D all-carbon frameworks coupled with NiO coated carbon was designed.•The GPG/NiO/C achieved high areal capacity of 24.55 mAh cm-2 @ 2.0 mA cm-2.•In situ Raman analysis explained both the storage mechanism and enhanced properties. Herein, nickel oxide (NiO) nanosheets coated with carbon were successfully synthesized on three dimensional all-carbon-frameworks through hydrothermal and annealing process. The as-prepared GPG/NiO/C achieved a high areal capacity of 24.55 mAh cm-2 @ 2.0 mA cm-2 as anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In situ Raman analysis was employed to study the lithium storage mechanism of the GPG/NiO/C electrode. This work opens more opportunity for achieving high areal capacity electrode for energy storage devices.