In this work, MnO and natural graphite (NG) hybrid composite was synthesized via a hydrothermal reaction and a subsequent self-reduction process. As an anode material for lithium ion batteries, MnO/NG composite displays excellent cycling stability and good rate capability. The charge-discharge test showed the highest initial lithiation/delithiation specific capacities of 552.8 and 511.7 mAh.g(-1), which were maintained at 494.9 and 497 mAh.g(-1) even after 120 cycles, at 0.2 C with a voltage range from 0.01 V to 2.0 V. The lithiation specific capacity was retained 280 mAh.g(-1) at 10 C, which extremely precedes the bare NG materials. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.