A cathode material, LiV3O8, for rechargeable lithium-based batteries has been prepared via a combined freeze-drying method and appropriately post-treated in argon atmosphere. It was found that the sample post-treated at 300 degrees C in Ar has the optimal performance. Electrochemical tests performed on this material demonstrated its very high insertion capacity of 347 mAh g(-1) (3.7 Li+ per LiV3O8) at a current density of 50 mA g(-1) (C/6). Most important is that it displayed an excellent cycling stability and after 60 cycles, a discharge capacity with 351 mAh g(-1) was obtained. It was proposed that a short-range crystallographic order had a stronger influence on the electrochemical performance of an electrode material in this work, instead of the surface area, particle size and crystalline degree, etc. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.