Composite cathode powders of xLi(2)MnO(3)-(1-x)Li(Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3)O-2 (0 <= x <= 1) are prepared by spray pyrolysis. The BET surface areas of the composite powders post-treated at 800 degrees C are 5, 12, 16, 12, 10, and 4 m(2) g(-1) for x=0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, 0.8, and 1, respectively. The initial discharge capacities of the pure Li(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)O-2 and Li2MnO3 powders at a constant current density of 25 mA g(-1) between 2.0 and 4.8V are 219 and 27 mAh g(-1), respectively. The initial discharge capacities of the composite cathode powders are 242, 283, 291, and 234 mAh g(-1) for x=0.2, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.8, respectively. The discharge capacity of the 0.5Li(2)MnO(3)-0.5Li(Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3)O-2 cathode powder decreases from 291 to 266 mAh g(-1) by the 50th cycle, giving a capacity retention of 92%. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.