Spherical Li(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)O-2 with a layered structure has been successfully prepared using the spherical precursor Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3OOH at temperature of 600 degrees C. This synthesis temperature is remarkably lower than those of the spherical Li(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)O-2 powders synthesized using Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3(OH)(2) or Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3CO3. The compounds were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD analysis shows that the Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3OOH powder has a P3 structure and the Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3(OH)(2) powder has a T1 structure. Charge and discharge tests show that the Li(Ni1/3Co(1/3)Mn(1/3))O-2 cathode prepared at 600 degrees C for 24h has an initial discharge capacity as high as 148 mAh g(-1). The synthesized powder shows a reversible capacity of 142 mAh g(-1) a specific current of 0.2C rate in the range of 3.0V to 4.3V up to 50 cycles with no noticeable capacity-fading. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.