Microscale Li[Li0.19Ni0.16Co0.08Mn0.57]O-2 powders with a high tap density were synthesized using [Ni0.2Co0.1Mn0.7]O-x precursor with a unique microstructure via coprecipitation in flowing air. The synthesized Li[Li0.19Ni0.16Co0.08Mn0.57]O-2 powders were composed of spherical nanosized primary particles, which results in a high tap density due to the high packing of the spherical primary particles. When used as electrode in a lithium cell, Li[Li0.19Ni0.16Co0.08Mn0.57]O-2 exhibits a very high gravimetric capacity of 263 mAh g(-1) and a volumetric capacity of 956 mAh cm(-3), as well as an excellent rate capability delivering a discharge capacity of 202 mAh g(-1) at a 2 C-rate. TEM analysis together with SEM observations show that the electrochemical performance of the Li[Li0.19Ni0.16Co0.08Mn0.57]O-2 electrode is primarily governed by its microstructure. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.