Ternary oxides with general formula MMoO4 (where M is a 3d-transitional metal) were characterized as cathode materials for lithium rechargeable batteries by galvanostatic charge-discharge technique and cyclic voltammetry. The significant capacity fading after the first cycle of lithium insertion/removal takes place for different copper molybdates (alpha-CuMoO4 and high-pressure modification CuMoO4-III) corresponding to the irreversible copper reduction and formation of Li2MoO4 during the first discharge. X-ray powder diffraction data reveal the decomposition of pristine ZnMoO4 by electrochemical reaction, lithium zinc oxide with the NaCl-type structure and Li2MoO3 seem to be formed. Lithium intercalation into nickel and iron molybdates is shown to proceed without phase transitions, but at unsatisfactory low operating voltages. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.