The hierarchical reduced graphene oxide/SnO2/polypyrrole ternary composites are prepared in a one-pot method via in situ redox reaction between graphene oxide and Sn2+ ions, followed by the polymerization of pyrrole monomers in the presence of methyl orange. The ternary composites are composed of one-dimensional polyprrole nanofibers and SnO2 nanoparticles distributed in the network of graphene nanosheets. Supercapacitors based on the hierarchical composite show larger specific capacitance compared with the ternary composite prepared without methyl orange and reduced graphene oxide/SnO2 binary composite. They also exhibit superior electrochemical rate capability and cyclic stability. The capacitance retained about 95% after 800 galvanostatic cycles at 1 A/g. The high electrochemical performance results from the hierarchical nanostructure, the efficient combination of components and the synergistic interaction among the three components. The hierarchical ternary composites are promising electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.