Double-shelled hybrid MgFe2O4/Fe2O3 hollow microspheres as a high-capacity anode for lithium-ion batteries

•Hybrid MgFe2O4/Fe2O3 hollow microspheres (MFO/FO-HS) were successfully prepared via polyol reaction of EG by the hydrothermal process with the aid of sucrose.•The role of sucrose and calcination temperature in the formation of hollow microspheres was systematically studied.•The double-shelled hollow microspheres act as an “ion-buffering reservoir” which is favorable for faster Li-ion insertion/de-insertion.•The MFO/FO-450HS calcined at 450 °C exhibits high discharge capacity with a reversible capacity of 1398 mAh/g without fading, even after 160 cycles.