Current research on the application of nanoferrites as an electrode material for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) has reached a tremendously high level. The structural, electrical, and optical properties of nanoferrite materials for LIBs have been characterized in several studies. The intention in the present study was to introduce new ferrite materials for improving the cyclic property and efficiency of Li batteries and to provide further characterization of the optical and electrical properties of these CoLi x Fe 1-x O 4 nanoferrites synthesized using a sol-gel combustion technique. Moreover, the synthesized CoLi x Fe 1-x O 4 ferrite samples were characterized by identifying their structural, electrical, and optical properties. A UV analysis illustrated a decrease in the bandgap energy values with increasing Li concentration, while a Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy study confirmed a spinel ferrite structure. Electrochemical performance of the synthesized CoLi x Fe 1-x O 4 nanoferrites showed an initial coulombic efficiency of 80% and an initial discharge capacity of 1258 mAh g −1 . © 2019 Elsevier B.V.