The fluorine gradient-doped LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 spinels are synthesized by a facile one-step method and the effect of heat treatment on their structure, morphology, and electrochemical performance are investigated. The results show that introduction of fluorine leads to a larger lattice parameter and particle size, and the formation of F-enriched surface. Whereas at 400 degrees C, the fluorine gradient-doped LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 sample exhibits an improved long-term cycling stability and high rate performance, due to` the suppression of the reaction between electrolyte and cathode, resulting in a decrease in the total resistance and the formation of a thin, uniform and smooth film on the surface. As a result of in situ XRD with charged pristine and the fluorine gradient-doped samples, the similar thermal-decomposition pathways from the charged spinel to the final NiMn2O4-type spinel structure with a small amount of NiMnO3 and alpha-Mn2O3 are observed. In addition, the disappearance temperature of the charged spinel structures is at about 280 degrees C for the fluorine gradient-doped sample, exhibiting an improved thermal stability of high voltage cathode material. These results show that fluorine gradient-doped LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 sample is a promising positive electrode material for high performance lithium ion batteries. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.