Spinel LiMn2O4 cathode material has been synthesized by a spray-drying method for lithium ion batteries. During the entire process, the as-prepared powders were characterized using TGA/DTA, XRD, FTIR, SEM and TEM. The results showed that this method not only reduces the sintering time to 5 h at 750 degrees C, but also decreases the average particle size of LiMn2O4 powders to the order of nanometers. The electrochemical performance of nanosized LiMn2O4 was investigated by the galvanostatic charge-discharge tests. The data indicate that the natiosized LiMn2O4 has a specific capacity of about 130 mA h g(-1) (1/5 C), and at higher rate (1 C), still has good cycling stability. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.