Battery with Spinel Cathode

Provided is an improved method for forming a battery comprising a cathode and electrolyte. The method of forming the cathode comprises forming a first solution comprising a digestible feedstock of a first metal suitable for formation of a cathode oxide precursor and a multi-carboxylic acid. The digestible feedstock is digested to form a first metal salt in solution wherein the first metal salt precipitates as a salt of deprotonated multi-carboxylic acid thereby forming an oxide precursor and a coating metal is added to the oxide precursor. The oxide precursor is heated to form the coated lithium ion cathode material. The electrolyte is void of salts and additives.