Zn3V2O8 (ZVO) with sheet-like morphology is synthesized by a simple green precipitation technique via a metal-organic framework (MOF) intermediate for use as an anode in high energy lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This sheet-like morphology, enriched with highly porous features, is evident from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and surface area measurements. When tested as a lithium half-cell electrode, the ZVO porous sheets delivered a reversible specific capacity of 1228mAhg−1 at a current density of 0.3Ag−1 for 200 cycles. Interestingly, on applying two different high current densities of 1 and 3Ag−1, this porous ZVO material registered high capacities of 665 and 510mAhg−1, initially for 30 and 50 cycles, respectively. On reducing the current density to 0.5 and 1Ag−1 for the two instances, both sustained stable capacities of 906 and 687mAhg−1 in the 160th and 600th cycles, respectively. The fact that these porous sheets maintained a stable capacity as high as 370mAhg−1 at the high applied current density of 5Ag−1 after 2000 discharge/charge cycles reveals the structural stability of the ZVO prepared by a simple green precipitation technique.