Flower-like 3D MnO₂ ultrathin nanosheets were synthesized by direct growth of MnO₂ on carbon paper (CP) through a facile electro-deposition method. When applied as a self-supporting, binder-free cathode material for rechargeable non-aqueous lithium-oxygen batteries, the as-prepared MnO₂/CP electrode exhibited comparable catalytic performance (discharge capacity of 5132 mA h g⁻¹ at a current density of 500 mA g⁻¹) and long cycle stability (up to 125 cycles with controlling capacity of 500 mA h g⁻¹). The superior performance is proposed to be associated with the 3D nanoporous structures and abundant oxygen defects as well as the absence of side reactions related to carbon based conductive additives and binders.