CuO/graphene composite is synthesized from CuO and graphene oxide sheets following reduced by hydrazine vapor. As the electrode material for lithium-ion batteries, CuO nanoparticles with sizes of about 30 nm homogeneously locate on graphene sheets, and act as spacers to effectively prevent the agglomeration of graphene sheets, keeping their high active surface. In turn, the graphene sheets with good electrical conductivity server as a conducting network for fast electron transfer between the active materials and charge collector, as well as buffered spaces to accommodate the volume expansion/contraction during discharge/charge process. The synergetic effect is beneficial for the electrochemical performances of CuO/graphene composite, such as improved initial coulombic efficiency (68.7%) and reversible capacity of 583.5 mAh g(-1) with 75.5% retention of the reversible capacity after 50 cycles. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.