A variety of gamma-MnO2 compounds containing a metal M (with M = Al, Co or Ni) has been synthesized using the electrochemical-hydrothermal method. Depending on the selected synthesis parameters (temperature, pH, current density, presence of M) various structures and morphologies were obtained for the deposits. The experimental conditions allowing us to prepare M-containing gamma-MnO2 nanowires, and the structural and physico-chemical characteristics of the obtained samples are presented. The electrochemical Li insertion behavior of these M-containing gamma-MnO2 nanowires is briefly described. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.