Nanorod-shaped LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 cathode powders were synthesized by a co-precipitation method with oxalic acid. Their structures and electrochemical properties were characterized by SEM, XRD and galvanostatic charge-discharge tests. The resulting nanorod-shaped LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 cathode active materials delivered a specific discharge capacity of 126 mAhg(-1) at 0.1 C rate. These active materials exhibited better capacity retention and higher rate performance than those of LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 cathode powders with irregular morphology. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.