Cobalt phosphides (e.g., orthorhombic Co2P and CoP phases) are expected to be promising anode materials for their relatively low charge-discharge potential, metallic character and good thermal stability.However, attractive lithium storage properties (e.g., stable cyclability and high rate capability) have not been achieved for Co2P/CoP anodes owing to the large volume change during the Li+ intercalation/deintercalation process and their intrinsically low electrical conductivity.