Orthorhombic molybdenum trioxide (alpha-MoO3) nanobelts were successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal approach, and the lithium storage properties of alpha-MoO3 nanobelts were investigated. The alpha-MoO3 nanobelts anode delivered a high first specific discharge (lithiation) capacity of 1351 mA h g(-1) at 0.2 A g(-1), good capacity retention (over 900 mA h g(-1) after 60 cycles at 0.2 A g(-1)) and impressive rate performance. The excellent electrochemical properties of the alpha-MoO3 electrode enable its application in the fields of energy storage and conversion.