The surface of as-prepared LiMn2O4 was modified with Al2O3 by a melting impregnation method. X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies indicated that Al2O3 nano-particles are distributed around the spinel. X ray absorption fine structure analysis (XAFS) further demonstrated that Al atoms were also doped to the surface of LiMn2O4 particles. The nano-Al2O3 particle coating improves the capacity retention of spinel LiMn2O4 efficiently at both room temperature and 55°C. The mechanism of improvement for surface modified LiMn2O4 can be attributed to the inhibition of a surface Jahn-Teller distortion and the decrease of manganese dissolution, leading to good electric contact among particles.