A nanostructured binary transition metal oxide, copper ferrite (CuFe 2 O 4 ) is synthesized via polymer-pyrolysis method. The effects of the processing temperature on the particle size and electrochemical performance of the nanostructured CuFe 2 O 4 are investigated. The electrochemical results show that the sample synthesized at 700°C shows the best cycling performance, retaining a specific capacity of 551.9mAh g −1 beyond 100 cycles for lithium ion batteries. The electrode has a good rate capacity within the range of 0.2C–4C. At the highest rate of 4C, the reversible capacity of CuFe 2 O 4 is about 200mAh g −1 . It is believed that the ternary transition metal oxide CuFe 2 O 4 is quite acceptable compared with other high performance nanostructured anode materials.