Graphene oxide (GO) paper was treated in supercritical ethanol as a green route for its reduction, which was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis and conductivity measurements. The reduced GO paper showed good electrochemical properties. As a sole component of the anode in lithium ion batteries, its specific capacity was comparable to those of free standing GO papers reduced by hydrazine or carbon nanotube paper. The GO paper reduced by supercritical ethanol can be a potential candidate for a binder-free anode in high performance lithium batteries. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.