A two-step strategic approach was proposed to synthesize three-dimensional Co3O4 nanoarrays fabricated on the Cu substrate surface with a Ni layer as interface.Firstly, a Ni-nanoseed-layer was prepared on a Cu substrate by electrodeposition.And then Co3O4 nanowires were in-situ grown on the Ni layer via a hydrothermal synthesis.The as-obtained materials were directly used as anodes for Li-ion batteries, the electrodes maintained a high capacity up to 1150 mA.h/g at 0.1C after 30 cycles, which showed an excellent cycling stability and rate capability.The good electrochemical performance was owed to the pre-electrodeposited Ni-nanoseed-layer, because the Ni layer could alter the growth fashion of Co3O4 nanowires and promote the formation of nanowires with <111> planes, while simultaneously improving the mechanical adhesion between Co3O4 nanoarrays and substrates effectively without applying binders.This strategic in-situ synthesis method will probably open a new avenue for the development of integrated electrode materials for high-performance Li-ion batteries.