Engineering novel Ni2-XCoxP structures for high performance lithium-ion storage

•The controllable doping of cobalt atoms is based on the Ni2P matrix phase and successfully constructed a series of doped phases.•The heteroatom doping induces controllable adjustment of morphological structure from microspheres to Ni2-xCoxP(0≤x≤1.2) microflowers assembled by the ultra-thin nanosheets.•The Ni2-xCoxP(0≤x≤1.2) electrodes provide advanced electronic conductivity, ion diffusion capability and electrochemical kinetic for enhancing the electrochemical performance.•The Ni1.2Co0.8P anode materials attained a high reversible capacity of 808mAh g−1 after 400 cycles at 0.1A g−1.