Although three-dimensional (3D) microbatteries represent great advantage compared to their two-dimensional counterparts, the fabrication of 3D cathode is still a challenge, which holds back the further development of 3D microbatteries. In this work, we present a novel approach for fabrication of LiMn2O4 nanorod arrays as 3D cathode for microbatteries. alpha-MnO2 nanotube arrays are firstly grown on the Pt substrate as the template, and LiMn2O4 nanorod arrays are then prepared by lithiation of alpha-MnO2 nanotube arrays in molten salt followed by 800 degrees C annealing in air. In the half cell test, the 3D LiMn2O4 nanorod arrays exhibit both high gravimetric capacity (similar to 130 mAh g(-1)) and areal capacity (similar to 0.25 mAh cm(-2)), while maintaining good cycling stability and rate capability. The facile synthesis and superior electrochemical performance of the three-dimensional LiMn2O4 cathode make it promising for application in microbatteries. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.