Single crystalline cubic spinel LiMn2O4 nanowires were synthesized by hydrothermal method and the precursor calcinations. The phase structures and morphologies were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Galvanostatic charging/discharging cycles of as-prepared LiMn2O4 nanowires were performed in an aqueous LiNO3 solution. The initial discharge capacity of LiMn2O4 nanowires was 110 mAh g(-1), and the discharge capacity was still above 100 mAh g(-1) after 56 cycles at 10C-rate, and then 72 mAh g(-1) was registered after 130 cycles. This is the first report of a successful use of single crystalline spinel LiMn2O4 nanowire as cathode material for the aqueous rechargeable lithium battery (ARLB). (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.