A nonstoichiometric spinel phase (LixMn1.93Y0.02O4) was synthesized using reheological phase reaction method. It was characterized by XRD and XPS techniques. Both particle size and shape of the spinel phase were observed by the method of transmission electron microscopy. The chemical composition of new spinel was determined by ICP analysis. The electrochemical properties of new spinel phase (LixMn1.93Y0.02O4) were also investigated. The result showed that the LixMn1.93Y0.02O4 behaved excellent recharge ability to compare with stoichiometric LiMn2O4. The initial discharge capacity reached 126 mAh g(-1) and retained by 95.2% after 50 cycles. The outstanding electrochemical properties of LixMn1.93Y0.02O4 make it passable as a promising cathode material. The novel method provides a simple, practicable and effective route for inorganic material synthesis. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.