Nanosized manganese oxide (Mn3O4) particles grown on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) have been prepared via a facile synthetic method with different weight ratios, as hybrid anode materials for high performance lithium ion batteries (LIBs). The Mn3O4/rGO hybrid materials have been characterized by a library of techniques to better understand the effect of the structure and composition of the hybrids on the electrochemical performance of LIBs. The results show that the Mn3O4 nanoparticles are homogenously dispersed on rGO nanosheets. By virtue of efficient electron conduction pathways and high surface area properties promoted by rGOs, the Mn3O4/rGO hybrid material used as an anode material exhibits an enhanced reversible capacity, cycling stability, and rate capability. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2016.