A nanostructured binary transition metal oxide, copper ferrite (CuFe2O4) is synthesized via polymer-pyrolysis method. The effects of the processing temperature on the particle size and electrochemical performance of the nanostructured CuFe2O4 are investigated. The electrochemical results show that the sample synthesized at 700 degrees C shows the best cycling performance, retaining a specific capacity of 551.9 mAh g(-1) beyond 100 cycles for lithium ion batteries. The electrode has a good rate capacity within the range of 0.2 C-4 C. At the highest rate of 4 C, the reversible capacity of CuFe2O4 is about 200 mAh g(-1). It is believed that the ternary transition metal oxide CuFe2O4 is quite acceptable compared with other high performance nanostructured anode materials. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.