Scandium doped LiSc x Mn 2-x O 4 compounds are synthesized by solid-state method, which show single phase with rod-like polyhedron morphology. The Sc-doping decreases the lattice parameter ‘a’ marginally due to the change in the inter-atomic distance of the metal oxide bonds as confirm by Rietveld refinement. In addition, the expansion of LiO 4 tetrahedron and contraction of MnO 6 octahedron by ∼0.01 Å upon doping are observed. The Sc2p 3/2 peak at 402.5 eV and Sc2p 1/2 peak at 407.2 eV in the XPS spectrum of LiSc 0.06 Mn 1.94 O 4 confirms the presence of Sc in the spinel structure. The symmetric stretching of Mn–O bond of LiSc 0.06 Mn 1.94 O 4 shifts lower value (∼4 cm −1 ) than that of LiMn 2 O 4 indicating the occupancy of Sc 3+ ion in the octahedral site. The diffusion coefficient value of LiSc 0.06 Mn 1.94 O 4 (1 × 10 −12 cm 2 s −1 ) is one-order higher than that of undoped LiMn 2 O 4 (1 × 10 −13 cm 2 s −1 ). LiMn 2 O 4 delivers a discharge capacity of 117 mAhg −1 at 1C with a capacity retention of 74% after 500 cycles, whereas under similar condition LiSc 0.06 Mn 1.94 O 4 delivers a discharge capacity of 114 mAhg −1 with a capacity retention of >90%. LiSc 0.06 Mn 1.94 O 4 also delivers excellent rate capability due to high diffusion coefficient and less charge transfer resistance compared to the parent compound. The structure and morphology of the Sc-doped electrode after 500 cycles remains intact without any formation of Mn-rich agglomeration suggest that the reduction of Mn 2+ ion dissolution as well as Jahn-Teller distortion. Hence LiSc 0.06 Mn 1.94 O 4 can be a potential cathode material for lithium ion batteries. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd