Urea combustion synthesis of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 as a cathode material for lithium ion batteries

► LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 with cubic spinel structure was synthesized by urea combustion synthesis. ► The structure and particle-size of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 can be adjusted by the amount of urea and heat-treatment temperature. ► LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 shows the largest discharge capacity of 133.6 mAh/g and capacity retention rate of 99.6% after 20 cycles.