MnO/C core–shell nanorods were synthesized by an in situ reduction method using MnO2 nanowires as precursor and block copolymer F127 as carbon source. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analysis indicated that a thin carbon layer was coated on the surfaces of the individual MnO nanorods. The electrochemical properties were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge techniques. The as-prepared MnO/C core–shell nanorods exhibit a higher specific capacity than MnO microparticles as anode material for lithium ion batteries.