A novel one-dimensional (1D) polycarbonyl coordination polymer [Cu(BGPD)(DMA)(H₂O)]·DMA (named Cu-BD, H₂BGPD=N, N′-bis(glycinyl)pyromellitic diimide; DMA=dimethylacetamide) was synthesized, and evaluated as a cathode material for lithium - ion batteries (LIBs) for the first time. The electrochemical performance study revealed that the Cu-BD cathode exhibited better cycling stability and a specific capacity of 50 mAh·g^-1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 50 mA·g^-1. The study of the reaction mechanism for the Cu-BD electrode discloses that both BGPD^2- ligands and Cu(Ⅱ) ions may take part in the electron-transfer process during charging and discharging.