The electrochemical behavior and surface characterization of manganese dioxide (MnO2) containing titanium disulphide (TiS2) as a cathode in aqueous lithium hydroxide (LiOH) electrolyte battery have been investigated. The electrode reaction of MnO2 in this electrolyte is shown to be lithium insertion rather than the usual protonation. MnO2 shows acceptable rechargeability as the battery cathode. The influence of TiS2 (1, 3 and 5 wt%) additive on the performance of MnO2 as a cathode has been determined. The products formed on reduction of the cathode material have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (IR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It is found that the presence of TiS2 to <= 3 wt% improves the discharge capacity of MnO2. However, increasing the additive content above this amount causes a decrease in its discharge capacity.(c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.