In this work, fine powders of spinel-type LiMn2O4 as cathode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) were produced by a facile solution combustion synthesis using glycine as fuel and metal nitrates as oxidizers. Single phase of LiMn2O4 products were successfully prepared by SCS with a subsequent calcination treatment at 600-1000 degrees C. The structure and morphology of the powders were studied in detail by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical properties were characterized by galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling and cyclic voltammetry. The crystallinity, morphology, and size of the products were greatly influenced by the calcination temperature. The sample calcined at 900 C had good crystallinity and particle sizes between 500 and 1000 nm. It showed the best performance with an initial discharge capacity of 115.6 mAh g(-1) and a capacity retention of 93% after 50 cycles at a 1 C rate. In comparison, the LiMn2O4 sample prepared by the solid-state reaction showed a lower capacity of around 80 mAh g(-1). (C) 2013 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.