The Li1-xV3O8 material was successfully synthesized at 450 C in short sintering duration by microwave sol-gel route. X-ray diffraction suggests oxygen defects in the lattice. Based on Randles-Sevcik formula, cyclic voltammograms measurements were conducted to measure Li+ ion diffusion coefficient. The material exhibits high discharge capacity of 250 mA g(-1) at 0.2 mA/cm(2) after 30 cycles in the range of 2.0-4.0V. Alternating Current impedance tests show that the growth of the charge transfer resistance at 0.4 mA/cm(2) is more rapid than that of at 0.2 mA/cm(2) as the galvanostatical charge-discharge continues. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.