In this work, a porous Co3O4 anode material with capsule–shaped morphology is prepared by a simple solvothermal method and subsequent heat treatment process in air. The as–synthesized CoCO3 precursor and Co3O4 sample are systematically studied and analyzed by a series of testing technologies, such as XRD, FTIR, FESEM, (HR)TEM, TGA, XPS and N2 adsorption/desorption measurement. As negative materials in Li–ion batteries, the Co3O4 active material exhibits high charge/discharge specific capacity, good rate performance and satisfactory cycle stability. The excellent electrochemical properties are inevitably related to the structural characteristics of the electrode material itself, including regular morphology, rich pore structure, large specific surface area, high crystallinity, nanoscale particle size, etc.