Micro-spherical Ni0.80Co0.15Mn0.05(OH)(2) precursors with a narrow size-distribution and high tap-density are prepared successfully by continuous co-precipitation of the corresponding metal salt solutions using NaOH and NH4OH as precipitation and complexing agents. LiNi0.80Co0.15Mn0.05O2 is then prepared as a lithium battery cathode from this precursor by the introduction of LiOH-H2O. The pH and NH3:metal molar ratio show significant effects on the morphology, microstructure and tap-density of the prepared Ni0.80Co0.15Mn0.05(OH)(2) and the R values and I(003)/I(104) ratio of lithiated LiNi0.80Co0.15Mn0.05O2. Spherical LiNi0.80Co0.15Mn0.05O2 prepared under optimum conditions reveals a hexagonally ordered, layered structure without cation mixing and an initial charging capacity of 176 mAhg(-1). More than 91% of the capacity is retained after 40 cycles at the 1 C rate in a cut-off voltage range of 4.3-3.0 V. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.