A 3D electrode with CNT decorated on Ni foam is built for MnO2 growth. MnO2 nanoflakes uniformly grow on the 3D electrode via a simple hydrothermal method. MnO2 nanoflakes exhibit a specific capacitance as high as 402.5 F g− 1 at 1 A g− 1. The asymmetric supercapacitor exhibits an energy density of 25 Wh kg− 1 with 85.3% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles.