Copper oxide (CuO) was prepared by one-step calcination method using metal-organic framework (MOF) copper L-phenylalanine (Cu(L-Phe)2) as precursor. The morphology, crystal structure and electrochemical Li-storage performances of CuO were studied. The results show that Cu(L-Phe)2 derivatives are monoclinic CuO nanoparticles with a diameter of 300 nm. The reversible discharge capacity of CuO nanoparticles anode is as high as 505.3 mAh/g when cycling at 100 mAh/g for 200 cycles. Meanwhile, CuO anode also displays good cycle stability and rate performances.