Lithium ion batteries are under intense development to meet the performance specifications for consumer applications in portable electronic devices, electric vehicle batteries and stationary storage as back-up for intermittent renewable energy generation technologies. The most expensive and capacity-limiting component in these battery systems is the cathode material. Research has been directed to the development of novel cathode materials with high capacity and energy density and the lithium transition metal orthosilicates have been identified as possible high performance cathodes. In this review we focus on recent developments in the study of Li2MnSiO4 and its derivatives as a lithium-ion battery cathode material. Preparation techniques, structural issues, conductivity enhancement and complex morphologies are discussed, to show the recent improvements and limitations in synthesis and electrochemical performance.