MnO2 nanorods/three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide (3 D-rGO) composite has been synthesized by a simple in situ hydrothermal methord. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of the as-prepared composite reveals tetragonal structure of alpha-MnO2: Raman spectroscopic and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of the samples confirm the coexistence of MnO2 and graphene. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis shows the large surface area of the composite. The electron microscopy images of the as-synthesized products reveals the MnO2 nanorods are homogeneously grown on 3 D-rGO matrix. Electrochemical characterization exhibits the MnO2 nanorods/3D-rGO composite with large reversible capacity (595 mA h g(-1)over 60 cycles at 100 mA g(-1)), high coulombic efficiency (above 99%), excellent rate capability and good cyclic stability. The superior electrochemical performance can be attributed to the turf-like nanostructure of composite, high capacity of MnO2 and superior electrical conductivity of 3D-rGO. It suggests that MnO2 nanorods/3D-rGO composite will be a promising anode material for Li-ion batteries. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier B.V.