Spinel LiMn2O4 powders have been successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method directly, which is no any pretreatment and following treatment in the process. The structure and morphology of the powders were studied in detail by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The data reveal that the products have well-defined stable spinel structure, and the particles show distinctive crystal faces with 50-300 mn in particle sizes. The electrochemical characteristics of the spinel materials are measured in the coin-type cells in a potential range of 3.2-4.35 V versus Li/Li+. The as-synthesized LiMn2O4 delivers reversible capacity of about 121 mAh g(-1) at a current density of 1/10 C. Cycled the cell to 40 cycles, the capacity remains at about I I I mAh g-1 at 1/2 C. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.