A novel MnO2/polypyrrole (PPy) heterogeneous composite with nanotubular structure is reported by a facile preparation of in situ chemical polymerization via a reactive template of MnO2. MnO2 nanotubes are found to be served as both appropriate oxidants and scaffolds to polymerize conducting PPy nanocoatings on the surface, thus constructing a unique coaxial configuration. The electrochemical measurements show that both components in the hybrid nanocomposites exhibit highly pseudocapacitive behavior in neutral KCl aqueous electrolyte. MnO2/PPy nanocomposites prepared from an initial MnO2/pyrrole ratio (3:1) deliver a maximum specific capacitance of 337 F g(-1) at 0.5 A g(-1) with good rate capability and long-term cycling stability, demonstrating their promising applications in high-performance supercapacitors. Moreover, the synthetic methodology may provide a generic guideline in developing different nanostructured MnO2/PPy electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.