MoO2-graphene composite was synthesized via a two-step of hydrothermal-calcination method. The morphology and structure of the products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray power diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. The content of the graphene in MoO2-graphene composite was examined by thermogravimetric (TG)-differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The electrochemical performances of the products were examined by Galvanostatical charge-discharge method, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). When used as anode material for lithium ion batteries, the MoO2-graphene composite shows an enhanced cyclic performance and lithium storage property. The first discharge capacity of the composite can reach 674.4 mAh g(-1) with a reversible capacity of 429.9 mAh g(-1). Significantly, the composite can also deliver a reversible capacity of as high as 1009.9 mAh g(-1) after 60 charge/discharge cycles. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.