Copper metagermanate (CuGeO3) nanorods were synthesized through a low temperature hydrothermal method at 180 degrees C. The as-synthesized CuGeO3 nanorods show a well crystallined nanostructure with diameters in the range from 40 to 70 nm, and a length from 250 to 350 nm. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate that the CuGeO3 nanorods exhibit a first charge capacity of 924 mAh g(-1) and 690 mAh g(-1) after 50 cycles, which is remarkably improved than the pure nanosize GeO2 electrode. This investigation indicates that CuGeO3 nanorods could be utilized as a high capacity anode material in lithium-ion batteries by reducing particle size and metal oxide addition. The lithium storage mechanisms for the improved capacity retention were also studied. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.