The three dimensional hierarchical carbon microflowers decorated with MoO2 nanoparticles (MoO2/CF) were fabricated by a facile method. During the experiment process, MoO42- anions are attached on the dopamine along with self-polymerization of dopamine under alkaline solution, forming the Mo-polydopamine compound (AHM-PDA). Then it is carbonized, forming MoO2/CF. The size of the MoO2/CF can be adjusted by the amount of dopamine, and the MoO2 nanoparticles decorated on the carbon microflowers are 1-2 or 30-50 nm in size at different conditions. Owing to the unique structure, the obtained MoO2/CF composite exhibits a high reversible specific capacity of 690 mA h g(-1) after 200 cycles at 500 mA g(-1), and even displays 576 mA h g(-1) at 1000 mA g(-1) after 200 cycles. The improved electrochemical performance suggests that MoO2/CF composite is a promising anode material for lithium ion storage. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.