alpha-MoO3@MnO2 core-shell nanorods are synthesized via a facile two-step method. The electrochemical measurement of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) shows that prepared alpha-MoO3@MnO2 core-shell nanorods as the anode exhibit high discharge capacity, high rate capability, and excellent cycling stability. The reversible capacity of alpha-MoO3@MnO2 core-shell nanorods is 1475 mAh/g at 0.1 C rate (10 hours per charging cycle) and retains at 1127 mAh/g after 50 cycles, much higher than that of pure alpha-MoO3 and MnO2. Even at high current rate of 6 C, the reversible capacity of alpha-MoO3@MnO2 core-shell nanorods is 394 mAh/g and retains at 286 mAh/g after 50 cycles. Our results indicate that alpha-MoO3@MnO2 core-shell nanocomposites have enormous potential for application in lithium-ion batteries. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.