A straightforward hydrothermal strategy is designed for the fabrication of CoFe2O4-graphene nanocomposites with different graphene contents. Due to the synergetic effect between the conducting graphene nanosheets and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles, the nanocomposites exhibit promising electrochemical performance as anode material for lithium-ion batteries. It is found that the graphene content plays an important role in tuning the electrochemical performance of the nanocomposite. With 20 wt% graphene, the CoFe2O4-graphene nanocomposite electrode can deliver a high reversible specific capacity up to 1082 mAh g(-1) as well as excellent cycling stability and rate capability. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.