Interconnected MnO2 nanoflakes supported by 3D nanostructured stainless steel (SS) plates are prepared by a facile hydrothermal synthesis. The resultant architecture is used as binder-free anodes of lithium ion batteries. Cyclic voltammetry analysis is conducted to distinguish the reactions between lithium ions and the active material at various discharge-charge potentials. Galvanostatic battery testing shows that the representative electrode exhibits a reversible capacity up to 1387.1 mA h g(-1) at a current rate of 0.2 C after 100 cycles and a capacity higher than 492.9 mA h g(-1) at a rate of 5 C. Such an excellent cycling performance, better rate capability and high capacity indicate that the simply etched 3D SS plate is a promising nanostructured current collector. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.