Some spinel oxides were mixed during synthesis of LiMn2O4. The solid solutions were formed from MgAl2O4, ZnAl2O4, MgGa2O4, ZnGa2O4, but not from Mg2SnO4 and Zn2SnO4. These solid solutions and composites were examined as cathode materials of lithium batteries. The cycle durability for discharge and charge was found to be improved in these all samples. This was interpreted by an increase in stability of the products, which were the solid solutions or some intergrowth phases in composites, through a stability of additive spinel compounds. In particular, Zn2SnO4-LiMn2O4 systems showed a high retention rate after 100 cycles both at 25 degrees C and 60 degrees C. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.