CuO nanoneedles were prepared by a facile electrochemical reaction. When tested as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, CuO nanoneedles (NNDs) electrode exhibits obviously enhanced electrochemical performance for lithium storage with superior cycling stability and good rate capability. Electrochemical measurements show that the as-synthesized CuO NNDs electrode delivers a gravimetric reversible capacity of 716 mAh g(-1) at a current density of 135 mA g(-1) after 100 cycle without obvious capacity decaying, and 241 mAh g(-1) at 3370 mA g(-1) in the rate capability. The high specific capacity, stable cyclability, and rate capability could be attributed to the high surface area of the nano-structured CuO needles, which provides more access for Li+ ion transportation and possesses mechanical flexibility to endure the volume changes during lithium/delithium processes. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.