The single crystalline LiMn2O4 rods are synthesized by solid state reaction at varying temperatures (450 degrees C and 550 degrees C) using gamma-MnOOH rods as self-templates, which are obtained by a typical hydrothermal process. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and electrochemical tests are thoroughly conducted/performed to investigate its structure and properties. XRD, SEM and TEM observations show that LiMn2O4 spinel-type powders have good crystallinity and similar rods morphology with the width of 300-400 nm and the length of 500 nm-5 mu m. As the cathode material for lithium batteries. LiMn2O4 synthesized at 450 degrees C delivers higher initial discharge capacity of 123.2 mA h g(-1), at 0.1C and retains 84.0 mA h g(-1) after 500 cycles at 10C rate. Even at a high current density of 40C, the material still presents an excellent discharge capability of 95.2 mA h(-1). The probable effect of structure and prepared-temperature is analyzed in detail. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights