Fe3O4 nanoparticles were deposited electrochemically on an array of Cu nanoribbons and used as the anode for lithium ion batteries. The three-dimensional (3D) nanostructure of the Fe3O4 anode was characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Galvanostatic cycling tests revealed that the 3D nanostructured Fe3O4 anode exhibited a superior performance. Reversible capacity was measured as high as 870 mAh g(-1) after 280 cycles (at a current density of 385 mA g(-1), 0.42 C) and also shown an excellent rate capability that was determined at 231 mAh g(-1) under the rate of 8000 mA g(-1) (similar to 9 C). The superior performance of the 3D nanostructured Fe3O4 electrode has been attributed to its peculiar structure, which allows one-dimensional electron transport on the array, as well as to the decrease in interparticle contact resistance. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.