Rod-like LiV3O8 composites have been fabricated by using a carbamide-assisted rheological phase reaction method. The electrochemical performances of the LiV3O8 materials prepared under different conditions are investigated by cyclic voltammograms, galvanostatic charge-discharge tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The rod-like LiV3O8 calcined at 500 degrees C has the optimal performance, delivering an initial discharge capacity of 273.6 and 250.4 mAh g(-1) between 2.0 V and 4.0 V at a current density of 50 and 120 mA g(-1), respectively. After 60 cycles by applying 50 mA g(-1), a discharge capacity of 213.0 mAh g(-1) is obtained, showing a good cycling performance. The EIS studies show that the 500 degrees C-LiV3O8 electrode has very low impedance increase during 1st to 240th discharge-charge cycles. All these results indicate that the rod-like LiV3O8 compound has a promising application as the cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.