alpha-Fe2O3 nanorods were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. The as-prepared alpha-Fe2O3 nanorods have a high quality crystalline nanostructure with diameters in the range of 60-80 nm and lengths extending from 300 to 500 nm. The crystal structure of the alpha-Fe2O3 nanorods was characterized by Xray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The alpha-Fe2O3 nanorod anodes exhibit a stable specific capacity of 800 mAh/g. This indicates significantly improved electrochemical performance in lithium-ion cells, compared to that of commercial microcrystalline alpha-Fe2O3 powders. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.