For the first time nanoporous germanium (np-Ge) was prepared by chemical dealloying allowing for mass production of electrodes for LiBs. Nanoporous structure can accommodate volume changes during the lithiation/de-lithiation progress and promote high-rate capability. The np-Ge shows a promising electrochemical performance as an advanced anode materials for LIBs with a specific capacity of 1191mAhg−1 after 160 cycles at a rate of 160mAg−1 and good rate capability.