Threefold shape CeO2 dendritic crystals were successfully prepared from a single precursor via a thermal decomposition route. The precursor was synthesized by a hydrothermal reaction using Ce(NO3)(3)6H(2)O with CO(NH2)(2) at 150 degrees C in a water-TEA complex solution. The dendritic pattern of precursor almost remained in the as-prepared product. The optical absorption spectrum indicates that the CeO2 dendrites have a direct band gap of 3.51 eV. The electrochemical tests show that the CeO2 dendrites are a promising electrode material as they can deliver a large reversible discharge capacity of about 534 mAh g(-1). (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.