Two-dimensional MnOx nanomembranes prepared by electron beam evaporation are rolled up into three-dimensional hybrid micro/nano-tubes by strain release. The material is characterized with Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry and used as the cathode catalysts for lithium-oxygen (Li-O-2) batteries. The Li-O-2 battery using such curly MnOx nanomembranes as the cathode delivers a specific discharge capacity of 4610 mAh g(c)(-1) at a current density of 70 mA g(c)(-1) which is higher than that of carbon black. Moreover, the MnOx nanomembrane electrode gains improved stability, being capable of cycling 112 times at a current density of 200 mA g(c)(-1). The encouraging performance is ascribed to the unique superiorities of nanomembranes and those inner oxygen vacancies, indicating that nanomembranes are promising materials for Li-O-2 batteries. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.