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To improve the application of transition metal oxides (TMOs) in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), this study aims to construct electrodes using three strategies, i.e., engineering nano-sized TMOs, introducing different TMOs as hybrid heterostructures, and compositing carbonaceous structures with TMOs. This study presents an efficient procedure to synthesize bimetallic MOFs (Fe@Z67s) as precursors. During the synthesis of MOFs, two key parameters are investigated, i.e., the use of Ar inert gas (O 2 -free environment) and the optimization of the iron molar content. After successive carbonization and oxidation, Fe@Z67s are metamorphosed into a hierarchical porous nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) comprising cobalt-based nanoparticles (Co/Co 3 O 4 /CoFe 2 O 4 (CCF)). Under the optimized conditions, the resultant L -CCF/NC- Ar electrode (derived from the synthesized Fe@Z67 under the O 2 -free environment (Ar) with a low amount of iron (L)), discloses the best electrochemical performance as LIB anode. This engineered electrode delivers a remarkable reversible capacity of 1020 mA h g−1 after 500 cycles with an excellent capacity retention of 95% at a high current density of 1 A g−1. The outstanding electrochemical performance of the developed electrode can be ascribed to the synergistic effect of an optimal ratio of TMOs hybrid/ porous graphitic carbon, hollow nanostructured anode material, high surface area, appropriate N-doping, and the homogeneous distribution of the active sites. [Display omitted] • Engineering L -CCF/NC- Ar as a novel electrode derived from Fe@Z67 precursor. • Investigating the role of O 2 -free environment and the iron molar content on the physical and electrochemical characteristics of the designed electrode. • The modified sample showed the porous graphitic carbon architecture with high surface area. • The engineered electrode disclosed the high capacity and stable cycling performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]