The authors developed a two-step solution-phase reaction to form Mn3O4 nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets, creating a hybrid material for lithium-ion battery anodes. This approach allowed for the electrical insulation of Mn3O4 nanoparticles, which were wired through the conducting graphene network to a current collector. The Mn3O4/RGO hybrid exhibited a high specific capacity of ~900mAh/g, close to its theoretical capacity, with good rate capability and cycling stability. The high performance is attributed to the intimate interactions between the graphene substrates and the Mn3O4 nanoparticles, which facilitated efficient charge carrier conduction. This growth-on-graphene method offers a promising technique for enhancing the electrochemical performance of highly insulating electrode materials in lithium-ion batteries.The authors developed a two-step solution-phase reaction to form Mn3O4 nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets, creating a hybrid material for lithium-ion battery anodes. This approach allowed for the electrical insulation of Mn3O4 nanoparticles, which were wired through the conducting graphene network to a current collector. The Mn3O4/RGO hybrid exhibited a high specific capacity of ~900mAh/g, close to its theoretical capacity, with good rate capability and cycling stability. The high performance is attributed to the intimate interactions between the graphene substrates and the Mn3O4 nanoparticles, which facilitated efficient charge carrier conduction. This growth-on-graphene method offers a promising technique for enhancing the electrochemical performance of highly insulating electrode materials in lithium-ion batteries.