We present the vibrational features of MnO2, Li0.33MnO2, , LixCoO2 and LixMnO4 used as positive electrode materials in lithium batteries. Raman and FTIR spectroscopies yield a reliable description of lattice when either crystalline disorder or phase transition due to Li insertion is expected. The local arrangement in the gamma-MnO2 Structure is investigated as a function of the pyrolusite intergrowth rate. The phase evolution in LixCoO2 and LiMn2O4 is studied as a function of the degree of deintercalation. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.