A nanochain of LiMn2O4 was prepared by a sol–gel method using an aqueous solution of metal salts containing starch. Its electrochemical behavior was characterized by cyclic voltammography, capacity measurement and cycling performance. The results obtained show that the nanochain LiMn2O4 cathode has a very good rate capability. It shows a reversible capacity of 100mAhg−1 at 100mAg−1 (about 1C) and 58mAhg−1 even at a charge rate of 20C. In addition, when the cathode is charged at 1C, 70mAhg−1 (70% capacity at 1C) can be achieved even at a discharge rate of 50C, with a cut-off voltage of 3.0V in 1M LiClO4 solution of EC/DEC/DMC (1:1:1, v/v/v). Furthermore, the cycling behavior of the cathode is also very satisfactory. This suggests that this nanochain LiMn2O4 has great promise for practical application as high rate cathode material for lithium ion batteries.