A new layered type lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide with the composition of LiCo1/2Mn1/3Ni1/6O2 was synthesized by using a layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as precursor and solid state reaction method. Phase-pure LiCo1/2Mn1/3Ni1/6O2 was obtained when the mixed precursors of NiMnCo-LDHs and LiOH center dot H2O were calcined at 750 degrees C for 12 h. It showed discharge capacity of 180 and 148 mAh/g in the first cycle, corresponding to the discharge voltage ranges of 2.5-4.5 and 2.5-4.2 V, respectively, and still delivered 173 and 140 mAh/g after 60 cycles at room temperature, which represented favorable capacity retention upon cycling. This material was expected as a potential alternative of cathode material to be used for Li-ion secondary battery because of its good electrochemical performance and lower synthesis cost. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.