Nanostructured aluminum-doped ceria (ADC) particles with uniform spherical shape, as a new catalyst material for the cathode in Li-O-2 batteries, are prepared by a solution combustion method. The nonaqueous Li-O-2 cell employing the Ce0.8Al0.2O2 catalyst exhibits a specific capacity as high as 1549 mA h g(-1). The discharge product of the Li-O-2 cell mostly contains lithium carbonate and a small amount of lithium peroxide.