The cubic ZnFe2O4 with the spinel structure is prepared by the urea combustion method. Powder X-ray diffraction and HR-TEM studies confirm the single-phase nature with particle size in the range, 100-300 rim. A stable and reversible capacity, 615(+/- 10) mAh g(-1) (5.5 moles of Li per mole of ZnFe2O4) when cycled in the range, 0.005-3.0 V vs. Li at a current of 60 mA g(-1) (0.1C) has been achieved between 15 and 50 cycles. The underlying reaction mechanism contributing to the observed capacity is the combination of 'de-alloying-alloying' and 'conversion' reactions of 'LiZn-Fe-Li2O composite'. Ex situ HR-TEM and SAED data on the charged-electrode confirmed the proposed reaction mechanism. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.