Composite electrodes (positive electrode active materials/carbon), applicable for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries cycled at a high current density, were prepared using the spark-plasma-sintering (SPS) technique. Li1.05Mn1.95O4/C composite electrodes with a carbon content of 10 wt % were synthesized at 300 degrees C using SPS, and it was found that Li1.05Mn1.95O4 particles were covered with fine carbon particles and formed agglomerates with the size of,10 mum. This resulted in a higher electrode density. Charge/discharge tests of cells using the Li1.05Mn1.95O4/C composite cathodes showed superior cycle performances at the rates of 30 -148 mA g(-1) (0.2-1 C) compared with the cell using the conventionally prepared Li1.05Mn1.95O4 + C cathode. The improvement in the cell performance was attributed to the strong binding between the Li1.05Mn1.95O4 and carbon powders. Consequently, the electrical network remained almost unchanged during the electrochemical redox cycling even at a high current rate. (C) 2005 The Electrochemical Society.